Wolves:
* Martell Webster (back) - DAY-TO-DAY Scouting Report: Big Picture
Before the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors seemed ready to make postseason dreams become a reality by winning three straight and seven of nine. However, after dropping two straight at home and now facing a daunting seven game road trip, chances have become skeptical. With a poor 7-18 record away from home, the Warriors will have to find ways to win on the road in order to keep postseason hopes alive in a crucial stretch. Sitting only a few games back from playoff contention in the Western Conference standings with an overall record of 26-31, the Warriors embark on their road trip Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. Golden State has faired well against Minnesota going 2-0 this season, including a 104-94 win at the Target Center back in November.
Last Time Out
On Friday night, Golden State dropped a consecutive home game to the Atlanta Hawks. As Stephen Curry struggled to contribute by going just 2-of-7 for 7 points, the Warriors offense lacked firepower, leading to a 95-79 loss.
Despite receiving 22 points apiece from Wesley Johnson and Luke Ridnour, the Timberwolves fell 95-81 to the New Orleans Hornets. The loss marked Minnesota’s seventh straight defeat. The Numbers Game
With the electrifying backcourt of Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, the Golden State Warriors are known for pouring in buckets. Golden State averages 102.4 points per game, while the Timberwolves are just 3-39 when allowing 100+ points.
Match-up to Watch
Kevin Love vs. David Lee
Tonight’s matchup features two premier power forwards who play a very similar type of game. Kevin Love and David Lee have developed reputations of mainly being rebounding machines, but the two also know how to score effectively. Love’s averages of 20.8 points and 15.4 rebounds per game could be challenged tonight in the paint by Lee’s 16 and 9.4 numbers.
What to Look For
Throughout the seven game skid for the Timberwolves, the offense has struggled immensely. Minnesota was hoping to receive a boost from Michael Beasley’s return from an ankle injury, but over the past three games he has shot just 38 percent while averaging four turnovers per game. After Friday night’s loss to the Hornets where Beasley scored just eight points on 4-of-16 from the floor, he claimed he needs to just get back to the basics and keep shooting. In a high-paced scoring environment tonight, expect Beasley to find a rhythm early in a bounce back performance.