Wolves-Lakers preview

James, Covington leave voids

Wolves update: The Wolves will take the floor for a third straight game without Robert Covington, whose ailing right knee will keep him out indefinitely. Derrick Rose is also unlikely to play as he recovers from an injured right ankle. But Jeff Teague returned from his left ankle injury against Orlando and played well, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists. … Over his past five games, Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 30 points, 16.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.2 blocks. … Josh Okogie played 33 minutes against Orlando, his second-highest minute total of the season.

Lakers update: Since LeBron James injured his groin against the Warriors on Christmas Day, the Lakers have lost four of five, with their lone win coming against the Kings. James will not play Sunday. He isn't the only Laker dealing with an injury. Guard Rajon Rondo is recovering from surgery on his finger in late December and won't return until at least late January, and Kyle Kuzma missed Friday's game against the Knicks and is questionable for Sunday. Kuzma was scheduled to make the trip with the team. … Over his past five games, Lakers guard Lonzo Ball has averaged 14.4 points with James out. That's nearly five points per game above his season average. He is shooting 43 percent from the free-throw line, down from 45 percent a season ago.

Chris Hine