Wolves-Portland game preview

Series shifts to Rip City

Preview: Portland lost 104-101 at Denver on Monday, ending a three-game winning streak. That followed a three-game losing streak that included a 120-103 loss at Target Center on Jan. 14. The Timberwolves also beat the Trail Blazers 108-107 on Dec. 18 at home. The season series concludes March 1 at the Moda Center.

Players to watch: All-Star Jimmy Butler scored 37 points and made the winning free throws with 2.5 seconds left in the Dec. 18 victory. He has averaged 30.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, four assists and two steals in the two games against Portland and has scored 20-plus points in his past five games vs. the Blazers. Jamal Crawford scored 16 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter of that 108-107 victory. But both have missed the Wolves' past two games because of injury (Butler a sore right knee, Crawford a sprained big toe), are listed as questionable and will be re-evaluated at Wednesday's morning shoot.

Injuries: The Blazers report no injuries.