Gameday preview: Wolves vs. L.A. Clippers
December 3, 2017 at 2:43AM
Clippers limp into Target Center
Preview: The Wolves, who have gone 3-3 in their past six games, will be playing on the front end of back-to-back games; Minnesota plays Monday at Memphis. The Clippers, who lost 108-82 Saturday at Dallas, will be on the back end of back-to-back games. It has been an up-and-down season for the Clippers, who opened with four straight wins before losing 11 of their next 12.
Players to watch: Wolves G Jimmy Butler has led the team in scoring in four of the past nine games, averaging 20.9 points in that stretch. G Jeff Teague returned Friday after missing four games because of a sore right Achilles' tendon and had an 11-point, 10-assist double-double. Clippers guards Lou Williams (18.7 points, 4.1 assists) and Austin Rivers (13.8, 3.4) are the only healthy Clippers starters averaging more than 10 points a game. C DeAndre Jordan is averaging 9.9 points and 13.8 rebounds.
Numbers: The Wolves have won the past two games between the two teams. The Wolves were outrebounded by the Thunder 42-26 Friday, the fifth time this season the team has been outrebounded by 10 or more, something that happened just six times last year. The 26 rebounds were the Wolves' fewest since March 27, 2009.
Injuries: Wolves C Justin Patton (foot) is out. F Nemanja Bjelica (left midfoot sprain) is questionable. He missed his fifth straight game Friday. Clippers G Patrick Beverley (right knee), F Danilo Gallinari (left glute), F Blake Griffin (left knee sprain) and G Milos Teodosic (left foot) did not play Saturday at Dallas.
Kent Youngblood
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The Wolves are coming off back-to-back losses in Portland and are on a three-game losing streak.
