By Cody Sharrett — The Portland Trail Blazers (8-12) travel east to begin a four-game road trip Saturday night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-10) at Target Center in Minneapolis. Portland carries momentum from Thursday’s 123-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers into the weekend matchup.
The Trail Blazers enter Saturday’s contest with a heavy reliance on bench production over the past week. Portland’s reserves have averaged a combined 55.6 in the past three games, shooting 53.8% from the field in the process. Third-year guard Allen Crabbe has scored a career-high 18 points off the bench in back-to-back games.
Minnesota prepares for Saturday’s meeting with the Trail Blazers on three days rest after falling at home to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, 96-93. 2014-15 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins has only improved in his second season, averaging 22.7 points per game to lead the Timberwolves. Continuing a youth movement in the Twin Cities, center Karl-Anthony Towns averages 13.9 points and 9.2 rebounds each night. The Kentucky product and first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for November earlier this week.
The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves met once earlier this season on November 2 as Portland claimed a 106-101 road victory. Damian Lillard scored a game-high 34 points, but it was a clutch steal from Allen Crabbe in the closing seconds that secured the win for the visitors. With the victory, the Trail Blazers improved their all-time record in Minnesota to 33-18.
Saturday’s game can be found locally on KGW and Rip City Radio 620. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m.
