6 p.m. at Washington • FSN, 830-AM
Preview: The Wolves, who ended a two-game losing streak with a victory over Sacramento on Wednesday and have won three of their past six games, head to Washington to play a Wizards team desperately trying to earn a playoff spot. The Wizards had a five-game winning streak ended by Atlanta on Wednesday, which pushed them 2½ games out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Players to watch: Wolves G Zach LaVine scored all 23 of his points in the second half Wednesday, giving him six 20-point efforts in his past 11 games. C Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 21.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.79 blocks and is shooting 57.7 percent in his past 29 games. F/G Andrew Wiggins has scored 21 or more in three straight games and is shooting 50.1 percent since Feb. 1. Washington G John Wall is averaging a career high 20.1 points this season. He has averaged 21.3 points, 11 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals in his past 10 games. C Marcin Gortat is coming off a 14-point, 14-rebound effort vs. Atlanta on Wednesday.
Numbers: The Wizards won by an average of 18.8 points during their recently-ended five-game winning streak. The home team has won 10 of the past 12 meetings between these two teams. The Washington bench outscored Wolves reserves 64-18 in Washington's victory at Target Center March 2.
Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Garnett (knee) and C Nikola Pekovic (ankle) are out. F Gorgui Dieng (hip) is probable. Washington G/F Alan Anderson (ankle) and G Bradley Beal (pelvic sprain) are listed as questionable. Beal started and played 31½ minutes Wednesday.
KENT YOUNGBLOOD
