Timberwolves-Trail Blazers game preview: Anthony Edwards questionable for tonight
The teams will play twice, with the second game Thursday, in the final contests before the NBA All-Star break.
at Portland Trail Blazers, Moda Center, 9 p.m. Tuesday
TV; radio: BSN; iHeartRadio app
Stats and analytics: Tap here
Chris Hine’s preview:
Opening bell: This is the first of a back-to-back, with the second game Thursday. The Trail Blazers (15-37) are last in the Northwest, but will have rest on their side as they last played Saturday. The Wolves are 37-16 after Monday’s victory in LA over the Clippers. Portland’s offensive rating is 29th (out of 30 teams) in the NBA.
Watch him: Portland small forward Jerami Grant is shooting 40.5% from three-point range and averaging 21.9 points per game. On an injury-laden team, he will have to pick up a lot of the scoring burden.
Injuries: For the Blazers, Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) and Shaeden Sharpe (abdominal) are out. Anfernee Simons (ankle) is doubtful. Scoot Henderson (foot) and Duop Reath (knee) missed Saturday’s loss to the Pelicans. For the Wolves, Anthony Edwards (right knee soreness) was listed as questionable Tuesday.
Forecast: The teams will meet again on Thursday night, the last game before the All-Star break. It’s a great chance for the Timberwolves to sweep as they try to gain the top spot in the Western Conference before the break. The Wolves — who lead the NBA in defensive rating — should take of business in Oregon.
. . .
Get Chris’ coverage of the Wolves and NBA delivered to your inbox for free, and read all our Wolves beat coverage here.
On Friday’s Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand picks apart Shaquille O’Neal’s bizarre, attention-seeking assertion that Rudy Gobert is the worst player in the NBA. Plus he talks Vikings and Twins and shares the story of a local baseball fan with a home run ball that got away.