Wolves-Washington game preview

Beal and Porter trying to keep Wizards steady

Preview: The 38-29 Wizards have lost four of their past six games after Saturday's 129-102 loss to Miami followed a 116-97 victory at New Orleans the night before. They're 19-14 at home and 19-15 on the road as well as 12-7 since guard John Wall suffered a knee injury that required surgery. … The Wizards won the season's first meetings between the teams, 92-89 at Target Center on a late November night when Wolves starting point guard Jeff Teague did not play.

Players to watch: Wizards forward Otto Porter scored 17 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and made the go-ahead shot with 25 seconds left in the season's first meeting. … With Wall out injured, shooting guard Bradley Beal has stepped up. He has led the Wizards in scoring 39 times this season and has scored 40 or more points three times and 30 or more 13 times. He also has averaged 18.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists against the Wolves in his career.

Injuries: Wolves forward Jimmy Butler (knee meniscus surgery) remains out indefinitely. Washington's Wall (knee surgery) is out as well.