Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Unfortunately, the Wolves will face a talented Dallas squad without rookie Wayne Ellington and center Nathan Jawai. Both players suffered ankle injuries on separate plays during Monday's practice.
"Neither one of them will make this short trip. It's better for them to stay behind and get treatment here," head coach Kurt Rambis said. "Neither one of them will be ready to play by Dallas, so there is no sense taking them down there."
Minnesota will search for scoring off the bench to replace Ellington's production, especially against the Mavericks where the shooting guard drilled two long bombs in the Wolves victory on February 5.
Lineup Adjustments
While Rambis would not fully commit to the announcement of starting Darko Milicic, he is leaning towards that decision. Al Jefferson's two-game suspension opened a spot at the center position and provides a big opportunity for the former No. 2 overall pick.
"I like Kevin coming off the bench, I think Darko provides us with somebody who can pass the basketball and I like Ryan Hollins in a lot of games -- the things that he had done early, being able to run the floor and matchup-wise for us, they don't like dealing with Ryan Hollins in this push-sprinting, so hopefully that is something we can take advantage of," Rambis said.
Milicic has shown an ability to defend the paint with 11 blocked shots in five games for the Wolves. Defensively, Milicic is affecting attempts near the basket and his lateral movement allows for quick weak side help. On a team that wants to increase pace of play, the seven-footer ignites fast break possessions by protecting the rim.
"Only way you can run is if you get stops. With Darko down there, he is either deflecting something; he's showing hard on pick and rolls, deterring guards from getting to the lane, that stuff really helps us," Flynn added.
Eyes on Dallas
The Mavericks upgraded their squad with the additions of Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler, and DeShawn Stevenson. Minnesota is prepared for this new-look Dallas team and worked on defending its new style at Tuesday's practice session.
"They significantly improved their ballclub. I've always been a fan of Caron Butler and Haywood gives them an active, aggressive, mobile Big to defend the big players/centers they are going to have to defend out in the Western Conference. And they are also playing at a much quicker pace than they have been and I think that suits who they are and they look like they are having more fun playing that way as well," Rambis said.
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