Gameday preview: New York at Wolves

Preview: Having lost five of six, the Wolves meet the Knicks in back-to-back games; the two also will play in Manhattan on Friday night. It will be a reunion of sorts for Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached two Knicks starters — guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah — in Chicago. The Knicks, 1-6 on the road this season, have lost two straight, including 112-103 to Oklahoma City on Monday. The Wolves have lost five of their past seven vs. the Knicks. The Wolves have struggled defensively all season, but especially of late. Golden State shot 55.6 percent against Minnesota on Saturday and Utah shot 50.6 percent Monday, including 61.1 percent in the second half.

Players to watch: Wolves G Zach LaVine is coming off a 28-point, eight-assist, eight-rebound performance in Monday's loss to Utah. It was his first career game with at least eight points, eight assists and eight rebounds. C Karl-Anthony Towns had his ninth double-double of the season Monday. Knicks F Carmelo Anthony has averaged 23.8 points in his past five games. Rose is averaging 16.8 points. Noah's 4.0 scoring average is the lowest of his 10-year career. F/C Kristaps Porzingis — who finished second to Towns in rookie of the year voting last season, is averaging 20.9 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Injuries: Knicks G/F Lance Thomas (ankle) is questionable.

Kent Youngblood