Wolves-Washington game preview

Preview: After two days of much-needed rest after playing five games in seven nights, the Wolves plunge into another five-in-seven stretch that includes games against some of the league's better teams. But not to start with. Washington felt it was poised for a step forward, but has stumbled out of the gate at 2-7, a stretch that has left coach Randy Wittman and his team clearly frustrated. The 7-4 Wolves are 3-2 in their recent stretch and have taken care of home court, but are just 2-3 on the road.

Players to watch: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic has shot 73.2 percent from the field in his past four games. SG Kevin Martin has scored 20 or more in eight consecutive games. G J.J. Barea has scored in double figures off the bench in two games in a row. PF Kevin Love has shot 42.1 percent on three-pointers his past six games, but is coming off a career-high seven turnovers vs. Boston. Washington shooting guard Bradley Beal is averaging 20.3 points per game and shooting 44.6 percent on three-pointers. PG John Wall is averaging 16.1 points and 9.1 assists per game.

By the numbers: The Wolves are 1-8 in their past nine games in Washington. Minnesota has scored 50 or more points in the paint in five consecutive games, tying a franchise record. Martin's 27 three-pointers are the most in team history in the first 11 games of a season. The Wolves are third in the league in scoring (108.5), scoring margin (plus-8.3), and steals (9.91/game).

Injuries: Wolves F Chase Budinger (knee surgery) and C Ronny Turiaf (elbow) are out. F/G Shabazz Muhammad (ankle) is questionable. Wizards F Chris Singleton (left foot) and F Otto Porter (hip flexor) are out. F Trevor Ariza (hamstring) is questionable.