Mavericks at Timberwolves
THE STORY: The Minnesota Timberwolves will welcome Kevin Love back from a two-game suspension as they prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Minnesota split a pair of games without its leading scorer and rebounder, who was named as a reserve for the Western Conference All-Stars on Thursday. Of more importance for the Timberwolves is the fact that Love has torched Dallas in two meetings this season, scoring 56 points and grabbing 28 rebounds in a pair of wins.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSSW, FSNO
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (15-11): Standout forward Dirk Nowitzki earned his 11th consecutive All-Star selection Thursday. After missing four games last month for a conditioning stint, Nowitzki has regained his form in the past three games, averaging 26.3 points and eight rebounds while shooting 61.5 percent from the floor. He scored 25 points Wednesday as Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak. Point Jason Kidd, who has missed the past six games with a calf injury, practiced Thursday and could be available.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (13-13): With Love out of the lineup, offense was hard to come by for Minnesota, which scored 86 and 80 points, respectively, in his absence. Rookie Derrick Williams scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in making two starts for Love. The most encouraging performance from Wednesday’s loss at Memphis came from ex-Maverick J.J. Barea, who scored a season-high 17 points. He had missed 10 of 11 games last month - including a win at Dallas - with a sprained ankle.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Minnesota had lost 18 of 19 overall and nine straight at home to Dallas entering this season, but beat the Mavericks by 17 and 15 points last month.
2. Mavericks sixth man Jason Terry is dealing with a hip flexor injury. He had a season-low five points Wednesday vs. Denver.