7 p.m. vs. Dallas • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM
Rose expected back from injury
Wolves update: The Timberwolves are expecting G Derrick Rose (sprained right ankle) to return following a six-game absence. Rose injured himself in a loss to Atlanta on Dec. 28. In All-Star fan vote totals the NBA released Thursday, Rose remained second among Western Conference guards, behind Stephen Curry and ahead of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. … Interim coach Ryan Saunders said he would consider using 10 players in his rotation if Rose is able to play. Saunders has no definitive timetable for the return of Robert Covington (right knee bone bruise). … Three Wolves bench players scored in double figures Tuesday at Oklahoma City, with Dario Saric pouring in 15 and Anthony Tolliver and Tyus Jones adding 10.
Mavericks update: The Mavericks defeated the Wolves 140-136 on Oct. 20 in Dallas. In the game, rookie Luka Doncic scored 26 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Doncic has raised a lot of eyebrows around the league as the favorite for Rookie of the Year. He is averaging 19.8 points per game at 19 years old. Also in that game, Dennis Smith Jr. scored 19 points, but the Mavs said Smith (sore back) will be out Friday. … Dirk Nowitzki is probable after missing Wednesday's game against Phoenix because of an illness. The 40-year-old has played in only 11 games this season and is averaging only 9.9 minutes and 3.9 points per game.
CHRIS HINE
