Gameday preview: Wolves at Houston

7 P.M. at houston fsn, 830-AM

Preview: Coming off an overtime loss to the Lakers – Minnesota's third overtime in four games – the Wolves get a Rockets team that, returning to health, is preparing for the playoffs. Wednesday, with center Dwight Howard back in the starting lineup for the first time since Jan. 23, Houston erased a 17-point deficit to win at New Orleans. It was the Rockets' fifth win in six games. Houston, third in the Western Conference, is just 1½ games behind No. 2 Memphis.

Players to watch: Wolves F/G Andrew Wiggins is coming off a 27-point performance against the Lakers. He has averaged 20.5 points over his past four games. G Zach LaVine has averaged 19.0 points, 4.5 assists – and, unfortunately, 4.8 turnovers – in his past four games. Houston G James Harden has averaged 30.7 points, 8.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds in three games vs. the Wolves this season. C Howard played just 16½ minutes in his return from right knee pain.

Injuries: Wolves G Kevin Martin (hamstring) is questionable. F Kevin Garnett (left knee) and G Ricky Rubio (left ankle) are doubtful. F Anthony Bennett (right ankle), F Robbie Hummel (right hand), F Shabazz Muhammad (finger), G Gary Neal (left ankle) and C Nikola Pekovic (right ankle) are out. Rockets F Corey Brewer (oblique), C Dwight Howard (right knee) and Josh Smith (right ankle) are probable. F/C Donatas Motiejunas (back) is questionable. G Patrick Beverley (left wrist), F Terrance Jones (pneumothorax) and F Kostas Papanikolaou (right ankle) are out.