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Timberwolves host Lakers
Sunday, November 13th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Target Center
MATCHUP
The Timberwolves and Lakers seemed to be the two teams on a similar path. If anything, the Timberwolves showed more promise heading into the season than the Lakers. Both teams have young rosters with high draft picks that are looking to develop under new coaching staffs. These two teams have the potential to rock the Western Conference. Minnesota is still looking to find their consistency and learn to close out games. Los Angeles has been raising some eyebrows this season. Especially with their upset of the Warriors. The Lakers look to continue their win-streak to 3 games and hold onto the 3rd spot in the West. The Wolves look to find some sort of light at the end of the tunnel and snap this abysmal losing streak.
Projected Starters
Timberwolves:
PG: Ricky Rubio #9
SG: Andrew Wiggins #22
SF: Nemanja Bjelica #88
PF: Gorgui Dieng #5
C: Karl-Anthony Towns #32
Lakers:
PG: D’Angelo Russell #1
SG: Nick Young (Swaggy P) #0
SF: Luol Deng #9
PF: Julius Randle #30
C: Timofey Mozgov #20
Injury Report
Timberwolves:
Nikola Pekovic – out/season (recurring foot pain)
Shabazz Muhammad – out (knee)
Brandon Rush – questionable (toe)
Zach LaVine – out (knee)
Lakers:
Brandon Ingram – questionable (ankle)
Ivica Zubac – day-to-day (unspecified)
Last Meeting
The Wolves and the Lakers faced off 3 times last year. All 3 of the games were decided by 5 points or less. One of them even went to overtime. Minnesota took home a W in 2/3 meetings. The last game they played against each other was February 2nd at the Staples Center. Kobe lifted the Lakers to their only win against Minnesota that season with 38 points. Wiggins did everything he could to help counter the Mamba with 30 points himself. Lakers won 119-115.
Noteworthy
Match-up to watch tonight: Ricky Rubio vs D’Angelo Russell. This will be the second game Rubio will be starting since returning from his elbow injury. D’Angelo Russell is a multi-talented guard who can shoot, pass, and play defense. Add in his size and a few more years of experience, he could be scary.
Player to watch: Louis Williams. He is the leading scorer for the Lakers who happens to come off the bench. Williams has averaged 16.4 points per game so far this year. Minnesota will need to adjust to his speed and shooting ability. With Ingram questionable, he’s their go-to scorer off the bench.
Broadcast Information
TV: Fox Sports North Plus– Dave Benz (play-by- play), Jim Peterson (analyst)
Radio: 830 WCCO-AM – Alan Horton (play-by- play)
(All stats found on NBA.com and basketball-reference.com)
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