Game 24 Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (10-12) at Nets (8-15)

Many thought that Rubio's style of play wouldn't translate well to the NBA; boy were they wrong

The Nets take on the young Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Prudential Center as the Nets look to improve their momentum from Wednesday's win over the Detroit Pistons. The Nets will probably have 10 available players for the game as Anthony Morrow (ankle) and Johan Petro (stomach virus) are going to play tonight while Marshon Brooks (foot), DeShawn Stevenson (back), and Brook Lopez (foot) are all still out with injuries.

Background on Minnesota
The T-Wolves, led by recently-extended center Kevin Love and Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, have been making waves across the NBA with their surprisingly start to this season. Minnesota, one of the NBA's worst teams last season, is only two games under .500 and is just a few games out of the 8th-playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. Franchise center Kevin Love is averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds per game so far in the 2011-12 season and has achieved a double-double in 20 of the 22 he has played so far. The youthful talent of the T-Wolves doesn't end after Love and Rubio however as Minnesota boasts a solid supporting cast of high draft picks in Derrick Williams and Wesley Johnson, in addition to free-agent pickups (J.J. Barea), role players trying to find their way (Anthony Tolliver, Anthony Randolph, Martell Webster), and even trade acquisitions (Michael Beasley and Brad Miller) among others.

Previous Game

Kevin Love had a monster performance (21 points, 17 rebounds) in Minnesota's last game, a loss on Wednesday against the Pacers. The T-Wolves simply had no answer for Danny Granger who went off for 36 points along with 7 rebounds. Indiana had all of their starters score in double-figures while Minnesota couldn't find many viable scoring options other than Love and Ridnour (16 pts) as the whole team only shot 37 percent  from the field. Like the Nets, home hasn't been a very friendly place for the Wolves this year as the loss dropped them to 5-8 at the Target Center.


The short-handed Nets won a close battle at home against the Pistons two nights ago, led by Deron Williams and his 26 points and 9 assists. New Jersey only had eight available players for the game as new addition Keith Bogans, signed the morning of game-day, was in action. Even though his shot was off, Bogans showed how clutch he could be with a late-game layup to seal the Nets win. Kris Humphries also added 18 points and 8 rebounds while spot-starter Shelden Williams and reserve Jordan Williams nearly netted double-doubles. 

Probable Lineups
MIN- Rubio (PG), Ridnour (SG), Johnson (SF), Milicic (PF), Love (C)

NJN- D.Williams (PG), Morrow (SG), Shawne Williams (SF), Humphries (PF), Shelden Williams (C)

Prediction
Nets, 100-95. Deron is going to go off again tonight and I don't see the T-Wolves scoring enough points to match him.