Wolves-76ers preview
Stretch vs. playoff-positioned teams continues
Preview: Another night, another game against an elite NBA team. The 76ers are seeded third in the Eastern Conference and have won seven of their past 10 games. Starting with Friday's game against Golden State, five of the Wolves' final eight opponents are currently situated in the top four of their conferences. The 76ers' 149-107 victory over the Wolves on Jan. 15 in Philadelphia is tied for the second-biggest margin of defeat in Wolves history.
Players to watch: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns had a 13-point, three-rebound game in that rout in Philadelphia, his fourth-lowest point total and his lowest rebound total this season. F Andrew Wiggins was 4-for-14 for 12 points that night. All five Philadelphia starters average 17.1 points per game or better, led by C Joel Embiid (27.5 points). G Ben Simmons averages 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 7.8 assists. G J.J. Redick is shooting 39.1 percent on three-pointers. F Jimmy Butler has had 30 games this season in which he was perfect from the free throw line.
Numbers: The Wolves are 13-14 vs. Eastern Conference teams this season.
Injuries: Wolves F Taj Gibson (calf) is doubtful. F Robert Covington (knee), F Luol Deng (Achilles' tendon), G Derrick Rose (elbow) and G Jeff Teague (foot) are out. 76ers F James Ennis (quad) and F Mike Scott (back) are questionable. G Furkan Korkmaz (knee) is out.
Kent Youngblood
about the writer
Neal: Timberwolves cross preseason off their list, head into a high-exposure, high-expectations NBA season
Coach Chris Finch said the team is in a “really, really good place,” and a columnist watching closely agrees.