wolves gameday

7 P.M. VS. CHICAGO • Target Center • FSN, 830-AM

Preview: The Timberwolves, playing on the back end of a back-to-back, get a very well-rested Chicago team. The Bulls, fourth in the Eastern Conference, last played Saturday when they won their fifth game in a row with an 18-point victory at Washington. Behind 33 points from Kevin Love, the Wolves broke a seven-game losing streak to the Bulls with a 95-86 victory at Chicago Jan. 27.

Players to watch: C Gorgui Dieng had not yet hit his stride in the first meeting but has averaged 12 points and 11.1 rebounds over the past 13 games. Bulls F Carlos Boozer has a 15.7-point, 9.0-rebound average in 28 career games vs. the Wolves.

Numbers: The Bulls are 20-18 on the road this season but only 5-9 on the road vs. the West. The Wolves are 11-3 at home vs. the East this season.

Injuries: F Chase Budinger (ankle) and F Shabazz Muhammad (knee) are out. G Kevin Martin (foot) and C Nikola Pekovic (ankle) are doubtful. Bulls G Derrick Rose (right knee) is out.

Kent Youngblood