7 P.M. VS. WASHINGTON • Target Center • NBATV, 830-AM
Preview: The Wizards have won their past three games after sweeping a three-game trip to New York, Brooklyn and Boston that ended Saturday with a 106-99 victory over the Celtics. They are 12-13 overall and 6-8 away from home. … The Wizards won the season's first meeting in this annual two-game series with a 104-100 victory in Washington on Nov. 19. Shooting guard Bradley Beal scored 25 points in that one. The Wizards have won their past two games against the Wolves but have lost their last three at Target Center.
Players to watch: Wizards point guard John Wall has scored 20 or more points in his past four games for the first time in his career. He is averaging 20.5 points, 9.4 assists and four rebounds in his past eight games and his averages of 19.6 points and 9.1 assists this season are career highs. He had 16 assists and just one turnover in that 104-100 victory over the Wolves last month. … Second-year guard Beal is tied with Wall for the team lead in scoring with that 19.6 average. … Small forward Trevor Ariza had 27 points and eight rebounds in Saturday's victory at Boston. He has made five or more three-pointers four times this season. … The Wizards are 7-6 when former Wolves swingman Martell Webster starts but he currently is coming off the bench for either Ariza or Beal.
Injuries: Wolves C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) and F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) remain listed as out. Wizards F Al Harrington (knee surgery) and G/F Glen Rice (broken wrist) are out.
JERRY ZGODA
