If the Wolves could win this one, it’d certainly be a statement. And considering
the Wolves will be wearing their Statement Uniforms, this seems fitting!
The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a Bullseye Plush Dog with the
Statement Uniform on.
Minnesota goes into the game with a 25-26 record, just 2.5 games back from a
playoff spot. The Wolves are coming off a 99-97 overtime win over the Grizzlies
on Wednesday. They could be getting some help with Derrick Rose (ankle) listed
as questionable. That would help a team that will be without Jeff Teague (foot),
Robert Covington (knee) and Tyus Jones (ankle).
The Nuggets have been one of the surprises in the league, holding a record of
36-15, tied for first in the West. Denver has won five-straight games, including
a Friday-night 136-122 win over the Rockets. We’ll see if Denver is fatigued, or
if the Nuggets rest anyone, on the second night of a back to back.
This is the second of four matchups between the two teams. The Nuggets beat the
Wolves 103-101 back on Nov. 21 at Target Center.
All eyes will be on Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Nikola Jokic. These are two of the
most-unique big men in the league, and both will be representing their teams in
the All-Star Game later this month.
On the season, Towns is averaging 22.6 points, 12.1 rebounds and career highs of
3.1 assists, 1.9 blocks and 0.9 steals per contest.
Jokic is averaging career highs of 20.4 points and 7.7 assists to go with 10.4
rebounds and 1.4 steals.
These players are very different players, but the results end up being the same:
They are extremely effective and successful at what they do.
If the Wolves want to keep Towns out of foul trouble (something that has been a
problem for the big man), see if Ryan Saunders decides to match up Towns on Paul
Millsap and Taj Gibson on Jokic. It worked well in Game 82 last season.
After playing just 42 games from 2016-2018, Jerryd Bayless has suddenly emerged
as a dependable player for the Timberwolves as of late. His opportunity has come
due to injuries, but he’s taken advantage of it.
In the last five games, Bayless is averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, 4.8
rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 39.5 percent from the 3-point
line. The Wolves are 3-2 in that stretch.
You don’t plan for injuries to hit as hard as they have for the Wolves, but the
front office has done a solid job with the roster to have players like Bayless
waiting to step up.
Wolves: Derrick Rose (ankle) is questionable. Robert Covington (knee), Tyus
Jones (ankle) and Jeff Teague (foot) are out.
Nuggets: Jamal Murray (ankle) and Gary Harris (groin) are questionable. Michael
Porter Jr. (back) and Isaiah Thomas (hip) are out.
Wolves: PG – Bayless, SG – Okogie, SF – Wiggins, PF – Gibson, C – Towns
Nuggets: PG – Conley, SG – Holiday, SF – Anderson, PF – Jackson, C – Gasol
Media Content:
https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/scouting-report-wolves-nuggets-2-2-2019
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota
Timberwolves
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Story Link:
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