Mo Williams could return against Wizards

The Timberwolves might get Mo Williams back, at least for spot duty, Tuesday night against Washington. Williams practiced with the team Monday, and coach Flip Saunders said the veteran's availability would depend on "how his back reacts [Tuesday]. We'll just have to wait and see.''

Williams has missed the last six games because of back spasms, leading to a string of 30-plus minute nights for rookie Zach LaVine. The rookie point guard had his first double-double on Dec. 6 with 22 points and 10 assists, logging a season-high 42:28. In 11 starts this season LaVine is averaging 11.0 points, 4.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 33.8 minutes.

Return trip

Saunders will be returning to Washington, where he coached from 2009 through early in 2012. Saunders said he's looking forward to seeing Wizards coach Randy Wittman and point-guard John Wall, but isn't too sentimental about the his first visit as a coach.

"Too far removed,'' Saudners said. "It doesn't mean much.''

Nice company

Lakers star Kobe Bryant said after Sunday's game that playing against Wolves rookie Andrew Wiggins was like seeing a reflection of himself 19 years ago.

Wiggins on Monday called the comparison "motivation to my ears,'' saying it will make him "work even harder to become something like him.''