Preview: The Wolves, coming off two straight losses marred by offensive dysfunction, play the winless Wizards in Washington. The Wolves, with Michael Beasley (foot) out, will have a reconfigured starting five while trying to beat the 0-7 Wizards.
Gameday: Wolves at Washington
January 8, 2012 at 8:21AM
Players to watch: Wolves F Kevin Love is one of two players (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to get at least 20 points and 12 rebounds in each of the first seven games of the season. Love averaged 28 points in two games vs. Washington last season. Wizards PG John Wall had 22 points, nine assists and five rebounds Friday against the Knicks. G Nick Young scored a season-high 24 points against the Knicks.
Numbers: Of the Wizards' seven losses, six have been by six points or more, two by 18 or more. The two teams split two games last season, but the Wolves have lost seven straight games in Washington. The Wolves have hit just 11 of 41 three-pointers the past two games. The Wolves rank last in the NBA in both turnovers (18.9 per game) and steals allowed (11.0 per game).
Injuries: F Michael Beasley (right mid-foot sprain), G Malcolm Lee (knee surgery), G Martell Webster (back surgery), and C Brad Miller (knee surgery) are out. PG J.J. Barea (hamstring) is questionable for the Wolves. For Washington, C Ronny Turiaf (fractured left hand) is out.
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Portland defeated Minnesota for the second day in a row (and third time in four games), giving up only 15 points in the second quarter.
