Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2) The Lakers have lost three straight to the Timberwolves, including just two weeks ago when they fell in the last minute, 120-119, in Los Angeles on Nov. 28. However, L.A. has won 12 of its last 15 in Minnesota, though it suffered its worst loss in series history, 143-107, the last time it visited Target Center on March 28.
3) Minnesota’s 5-17 start has stemmed largely from injuries. The Timberwolves’ leaders in points (Kevin Martin; 20.4), assists (Ricky Rubio; 10.0) and rebounds (Nikola Pekovic; 8.1) are all out indefinitely and have played just 23 games combined. Mo Williams, who is 10th in the league with 6.7 assists per game in Rubio’s stead, is questionable due to back spasms.
4) Andrew Wiggins, who was named Rookie of the Month for November, leads all first-year players with 12.6 points per game. Wiggins has been especially lethal from 3-point range, where he leads all rookies and Timberwolves by hitting 38.7 percent of his triples. However, the No. 1 overall pick suffered through his worst game of the season against L.A., as he scored a season-low three points on 1-for-6 shooting on Nov. 28.
5) Corey Brewer has been the league’s most successful thief this season, as he leads the NBA with 2.3 steals per game and a 4.1 steal percentage. Brewer’s defense has been on an even higher level in his last three contests, averaging 4.7 steals per game.
6) With Pekovic sidelined, Gorgui Dieng has been Minnesota’s main presence down low. The sophomore leads the Timberwolves in rebounds (7.9), blocks (1.3) and field goal percentage (52.3). However, Dieng has struggled to defend the hoop, as he has allowed the fourth-most baskets at the rim (5.1) despite facing only the 14th-most shots there (8.6). As a team, Minnesota is allowing a league-high 48.6 points in the paint.
7) Zach LaVine has been relatively quiet since erupting for a season-high 28 points on 11-for-14 shooting against L.A. on Nov. 28. In the eight games following, the rookie has averaged just 10.6 points on a 38.6 percent clip from the field.
8) Minnesota’s defense has been atrocious this season, allowing opponents to shoot a league-high 49.6 percent from the field. The Timberwolves are also allowing the second-most points per game (108.9) next to the Lakers (110.1). L.A.’s opponents are shooting the second-highest mark from the field (48.0).
9) Minnesota has been doing the least damage from 3-point range of any team this season. The Timberwolves are averaging NBA-lows in 3-pointers attempted (13.9) and made (4.5). Their 32.4 percentage from deep ranks just 26th in the league.
10) The Timberwolves have struggled to find success when their defense does not pull through, as they are just 1-16 this season when allowing more than 100 points with that lone win coming against the Lakers on Nov. 28. Minnesota has also found victory elusive when shooting less than 45 percent from the field (2-13), being outshot (1-17) and trailing after three quarters (1-16).