Wolves-Toronto game preview

February 8, 2017 at 3:06AM

7 p.m. vs. Toronto • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Raptors' 118-109 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday was their second consecutive victory after they had lost eight of 10 before that. Once 29-13 and battling Cleveland for the Eastern Conference lead, they're now 32-21 and third in the East, behind Boston and 4½ games behind the Cavaliers. … The Raptors won the season's first meeting (124-110 in December) and have won 22 of the past 24 games between the teams. They split the season series a year ago, with the Wolves last winning 117-112 at Target Center. … Former Wolves coach Dwane Casey is 295-275 in eight seasons as head coach in Toronto and Minnesota.

Players to watch: Raptors All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan played Monday after missing seven of eight games because of a right ankle injury and scored 31 points on 11-for-22 shooting. He has scored 30 or more points 21 times this season, a career high, and he has done so 69 times in his career. That's second in team history to Vince Carter. … Backcourt mate Kyle Lowry, an All-Star reserve, became the team's career leader for three-pointers made when he made five on Monday. He has made 704 threes in 346 games with Toronto.

Injuries: Wolves G Zach LaVine is out for the season because of a torn ACL. F Adreian Payne is out (low platelet count). G Kris Dunn has missed the past three games because of a bruised hand but practiced Tuesday and is questionable. Raptors F Patrick Patterson has missed the past two games because of a left knee contusion and is questionable.

Jerry Zgoda

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