wolves gameday
7 P.M. VS. orlando • target center• fsn, 830-AM
Preview: This is a game between two teams that haven't won much lately. The shorthanded Wolves have lost five in a row and are two games ahead of the New York Knicks for the worst record in the NBA. The Magic has lost four consecutive, nine of its past 10 and has a 12-game road losing streak.
Players to watch: F/G Andrew Wiggins is coming off a 25-point performance vs. Toronto. G Zach LaVine has scored 43 points total in his past two games. F Chase Budinger has scored in double figures in 11 games in a row. He is averaging 15.5 points and 52 percent shooting during that streak. Orlando C Nikola Vucevic has averaged a double-double this season (19.3 points, 11.1 rebounds per game). G Victor Oladipo (17.8 ppg, 4.2 apg) has led the Magic in scoring 27 times, in assists 19 times.
Numbers: Minnesota's 53.2 percent shooting performance vs. Toronto was just its ninth game this season shooting 50 percent or better. The Magic has won 10 of the past 12 meetings between the two teams, including an overtime victory in Orlando Nov. 7, the night Ricky Rubio severely sprained his ankle.
Injuries: Wolves, G Kevin Martin (hamstring) is probable. F Anthony Bennett (ankle), F Kevin Garnett (knee), G Gary Neal (ankle) and G Ricky Rubio (ankle) are doubtful. C Gorgui Dieng (concussion-like symptoms), F Shabazz Muhammad (finger) and C Nikola Pekovic (right Achilles' tendon) are out. Magic, G Evan Fournier (hip) and G/F Devyn Marble (detached retina) are out.
kent youngblood
