Timberwolves at Nets
THE STORY: Minnesota has had a hard enough time keeping pace in the Western Conference, but recently foes from the East have been a thorn in the Timberwolves' side. Minnesota is just 2-7 versus Eastern Conference opponents this season, most recently losing 109-99 to the Indiana Pacers at home Wednesday. The Timberwolves take to the road trying to snap that slump as they visit the New Jersey Nets on Friday night. The Nets have battled through a laundry list of injuries in recent outings, missing their top two centers and a rookie stud. Point guard Deron Williams has put the team on his back during this time, averaging 29 points over his last five games - including a 26-point effort in a 99-96 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. New Jersey won the most recent meeting with Minnesota, but the Timberwolves are 4-1 in their last five head-to-head encounters.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (10-12): Small forward Michael Beasley has had an instant impact on the Timberwolves' offense since returning from a mid-foot sprain. Beasley is averaging 17.5 points in just over 26 minutes per night in a reserve role in his four games back, including a 34-point effort in a win over Houston on Monday. Beasley is giving Minnesota some much-needed depth on the second unit; the Timberwolves rank 23rd in the NBA in bench points at 18.4 per game.
ABOUT THE NETS (8-15): Love him or hate him, Kris Humphries is putting in overtime for the Nets. With top centers Brook Lopez and Mehmet Okur out of action with injuries, the 6-foot-9 Humphries is being asked to guard and score on bigger opponents. The former Mr. Kim Kardashian scored 18 points and pulled down eight rebounds in the win over Detroit and leads New Jersey in rebounding, field goal percentage and blocks. Not bad for a guy voted the NBA’s most disliked player.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Timberwolves are trying to win three road games in a row for the first time since April 2009.
2. New Jersey used just eight players versus the Pistons, missing shooter Anthony Morrow and rookie MarShon Brooks, both of whom are averaging more than 13.5 points per game.
3. Minnesota leads the all-time series 23-19.