Timberwolves at Trail Blazers
Portland shooting guard CJ McCollum enjoyed the top scoring night of his career when he last saw Minnesota uniforms and aims for another strong performance when the Trail Blazers host the Timberwolves on Saturday. McCollum scored 43 points on 16-of-25 shooting when Portland notched a 95-89 victory at Minnesota on Jan. 1.
McCollum and running mate Damian Lillard have been superb as the Trail Blazers have gone 9-3 in March to trail the eighth-place Denver Nuggets by 1 1/2 games in the battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot. McCollum has scored 20 or more points in nine of the past 11 games, while Lillard has scored 25 or more points in eight consecutive games, three off the franchise record held by Geoff Petrie (1970-71). Minnesota has fallen out of the playoff race with five straight defeats and has allowed an average of 118.6 points during those setbacks. The Timberwolves fell 130-119 in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and coach Tom Thibodeau said afterward that he was disappointed with the defense and shot selection as his team blew an eight-point lead with 2:25 remaining in regulation.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN Northwest (Portland)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (28-43): Small forward Andrew Wiggins has delivered during the losing streak by averaging 26 points, including 36 in Friday's loss to Los Angeles. Center Karl-Anthony Towns also is playing well and had 25 points and 13 rebounds against the Lakers for his 13th double-double in the past 15 games. Minnesota's perimeter defense was atrocious on Friday as the Lakers were 14-of-23 from 3-point range guard and guard Jordan Clarkson established career highs of 35 points and eight 3-point baskets.
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (33-38): Lillard scored 30 or more points in four of the past five games and is averaging 31 points in March. He has registered seven 30-point outings this month — topped by a 49-point effort against the Miami Heat — as he and McCollum attempt to carry the team to the postseason. Swingman Evan Turner was fitted with a new brace to protect his injured hand and scored 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting in Thursday's win over the New York Knicks after being 4-of-21 shooting in his first three games upon returning.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Trail Blazers are 13-4 against the Timberwolves since coach Terry Stotts took over with the start of the 2012-13 campaign.
2. Minnesota PG Ricky Rubio recorded 15 assists against the Lakers for his sixth time in double digits in March.
3. Portland PF Noah Vonleh is averaging 9.5 rebounds over the last four games.