Wolves-Houston Game 3 preview

Wolves seek first series win

Preview: Having lost two in Houston, the Wolves return to Target Center trying to get their first victory in their first-round playoff series with the Rockets in a building where they went 30-11 this season. The Wolves have lost 14 of their past 15 to the Rockets overall, and are 0-5 all-time vs. Houston in the playoffs, having gone 0-3 back in 1997. The Rockets, who have won six consecutive vs. the Wolves this season, were 31-10 on the road this season, the best road record in franchise history, with the sixth-most road wins in NBA history.

Players to watch: F Andrew Wiggins is leading the Wolves in playoff scoring (15.5), shooting 44.8 percent. His 7.0 rebounding average is second on the team. C Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 6.5 points on 27.8-percent shooting in two games. G Jimmy Butler is shooting 41.2 percent and scoring 12.0 points per game. Rockets C Clint Capela is averaging 16.0 points and 14.0 rebounds and is shooting 66.7 percent in two playoff games. G Chris Paul is averaging 20.5 points and 6.0 assists. G James Harden is averaging 28 points and 7.5 assists.

Numbers: The 82 points the Wolves scored in Game 2 is the lowest by a Rockets opponent this season. The Rockets are 44-2 when Capela, Paul and Harden all play. The 36.4 percent the Rockets shot from the field in Game 2 was the fourth-best defensive effort, percentage-wise, by the Wolves in 49 franchise playoff games.

Injuries: Wolves C Justin Patton (foot surgery) is out. Rockets F/C Ryan Anderson (ankle) is questionable.

kent youngblood