Spurs at Timberwolves
The San Antonio Spurs leave the state of Texas for the first of only two road games in March with Tuesday's visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have lost back-to-back games by more than 20 points. The Spurs remained atop the Western Conference on Monday when they snapped Oklahoma City’s five-game winning streak with a 105-93 win. The injury-plagued Timberwolves have lost three straight to the Spurs, including the first two meetings this season.
Minnesota was down to nine healthy players in its 100-77 loss to Dallas on Sunday, and things aren’t likely to change against the Spurs. Forward Andrei Kirilenko (calf) and center Nikola Pekovic (abdominal strain) are hoping to return later this week, while forward Kevin Love (hand) remains out indefinitely. The Spurs are 3-1 in four games without point guard Tony Parker, who could be out another two-plus weeks with a sprained left ankle.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio), Fox Sports North Plus (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE SPURS (49-15): San Antonio and Oklahoma City figure to battle until the final day of the season for the top spot in the West, but the Spurs’ defense could be the difference. Forward Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points against the Thunder and delivered a stellar defensive performance against All-Star Kevin Durant. Leonard had 19 points and 10 rebounds in a 104-94 win over Minnesota on Feb. 6. Forward Tiago Splitter has three double-doubles over the past five games and eight overall.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (21-39): Minnesota has lost eight of its last nine games, but the team has been encouraged by the improved play of forward Mickael Gelabale, who is averaging 16 points over the last two games. The Timberwolves’ injury woes have provided ample playing time for forward Derrick Williams, who is averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in his past eight games. Williams had 15 points and 12 boards against the Spurs on Feb. 6, but he's not getting much help. Minnesota has reached the 100-point mark just twice in its last 16 games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Spurs are 8-5 on the second game of a back-to-back.
2. Minnesota is 1-15 when scoring less than 90 points.
3. The Spurs are one win away from extending their NBA-record of 50-or-more wins in 13 consecutive seasons to 14 campaigns.