Timberwolves at Blazers | 7:00 PM — Target Center
Where to Watch: Fox Sports North
Where to Listen: 830 WCCO-AM
If there was ever a crunch time for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it probably comes now. After the team looked like it hit a bit of a hot streak, it took a step back and have lost four of its last five games.
The Wolves get a break starting Wednesday night for the All-Star Break, but until then, it's a pretty rocky road as the team plays the Blazers, Rockets and Nuggets during that stretch. It won't be easy, but the Wolves need to take advantage of this home stand and hope to come away with two wins to really stay in the thick of things in the West. Last Meeting The Wolves are 1-1 against the Trail Blazers. They last played on Jan. 25 in Portland, and the Wolves lost 115-104.
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 21 points. Wesley Matthews chipped in 18, while center Robin Lopez scored 15 points and grabbed 10 boards. Point guard Damian Lillard finished with 14 points and Nic Batum added 13. Mo Williams led the bench with 16 points.
Minnesota was led by Kevin Martin, who had 30 points while making six 3-pointers. Nikola Pekovic scored 23 and grabbed 11 rebounds. Kevin Love was a member of the double-double club as well, scoring 15 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. Corey Brewer and Ricky Rubio finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively. This Week’s Results
Minnesota's coming off of a 98-91 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite being beat up, Love scored 26 points and hauled in 19 rebounds. Brewer finished with 16 points and Martin added 15. Rubio ended with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal. The team shot just 22.2 percent from the 3-point line.
The Wolves are 1-4 in their last five games.
The Blazers are coming off of a tough 118-113 road overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Lillard led Portland with 38 points and 11 assists. Aldridge added 22 and Matthews scored 19. Lopez had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Portland's bench scored just 13 points.
The Blazers are 2-3 in the last five games.
What To Watch: Ricky Rubio vs. Damian LillardThese two players couldn't be more different. Lillard is a scorer. Rubio a passer. Lillard isn't know for his defense. Rubio is a ball hawk.
The hope is that Rubio can continue to improve his offensive game, something that Lillard has done when it comes to scoring the ball. Rubio's goal on Saturday will be to slow Lillard down.
Injury Report Love (neck) is questionable for the Wolves, while center Nikola Pekovic (ankle) is out indefinitely. Mo Williams of the Blazers, is questionable due to a personal issue. Nic Batum (ankle) is probable. Probable Starters