Notable Injuries:
Wolves:
* F Michael Beasley (left ankle sprain) - DOUBTFUL
* F Nikola Pekovic (bruised sternum) - QUESTIONABLE
Clippers:
* G Eric Gordon (sprained right wrist) - OUT
* F Craig Smith (herniated disc) - OUT
* C Chris Kaman (left ankle sprain) - OUT Scouting Report: Big Picture
The 20-35 Clippers have suffered a string of consecutive brutal losses, including a 102-78 blowout in Milwaukee on Monday night. Without the dangerous asset of injured Eric Gordon, opponents have been able to shift all the attention on Blake Griffin and subsequently; the Los Angeles offense has stalled. During the month of February, the Clippers have been ice cold, losing seven of eight. Los Angeles rolls into Target Center struggling away from home with an overall road record of 4-21. Last Time Out
Los Angeles dropped another road contest to the Milwaukee Bucks on Valentine’s Day, due to a game changing 14-1 Bucks run in the fourth quarter. Baron Davis, who has been playing great basketball as of late, led Los Angeles with 22 points and 6 assists.
The Wolves suffered through a dismal opening quarter on Monday night that set the tone early, as LaMarcus Aldridge and the Blazers cruised to a 95-81 victory at Target Center.
The Numbers Game
With a double-double tonight, Kevin Love could become the first player in NBA history to post over 50 double-doubles before the All-Star break, surpassing George Mikan who had exactly 50 before the break in 1950.Match-up to Watch
Kevin Love vs. Blake Griffin
The double-double machines will face off for a fourth time this season, before becoming teammates on the Western Conference All-Star squad. While both teams continue to slump, the dynamic forwards have stayed consistent. Griffin has posted 46 double-doubles this season, second only to Love’s 50.What to Look For
Kurt Rambis has said multiple times throughout the season that the initial energy and effort from the opening tip has not been present. Tonight, look for the Timberwolves to explode out of the gates with intensity after a day of practice dedicated to ways of getting off to a better start.
With Michael Beasley continuing to nurse a sore ankle, the Timberwolves will need essential backcourt scoring from Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, and Wesley Johnson. The three have failed to step up in Beasley’s absence, including an atrocious combined output of just 1 point, 0 rebounds, and 0 assists in Monday’s loss. Look for increased contributions from these three in a bounce back performance tonight.