Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trailblazers

Thursday, July 17th, 2008 - 9:00 pm CST

• Find info about watching the game online here.
• Rosters: Timberwolves / Trailblazers
• Replay of last night's game against the Lakers here.
• Blazer's Edge Game Thread

While the Wolves couldn't get their first win last night, word on the street is Kevin Love threw some sick outlet passes. Not only that, but Corey Brewer was apparently the recipient of more than a few of them as he hit 7 of his 10 shots. Solid, but unspectacular statistical performances (box score) from Chris Richard, Pooh Jeter, Blake Ahearn and Drew Neitzel.

First-round picks Batum, Bayless (both drafted this year) and Koponen (drafted last year) will be the guys to watch against Portland tonight. JR Pinnock and Josh Davis also have some NBA cred, and the Iceman cometh to Vegas tonight (Yes, I know it's a hackneyed joke, but you only get to make so many Jon Stefansson references per year).

It will be interesting to see if any of our guards can contain Jerryd Bayless, or Petteri Koponen for that matter. While Bayless has averaged 27 points on 40% shooting, the Fin has put up 18.5 points on 45% shooting (42% from downtown) and dished out 3 dimes per game.

For our beloved Wolves, it's decidedly uninteresting beyond Brewer and Love. Rodney Carney (via Zgoda) has apparently been sent home to deal with his hamstring. Craig Smith's re-signing means he'll probably suit up, I just hope he's stayed in shape this offseason.

In the end, the outcomes of these games mean absolutely nothing. But, seeing some growth from Brewer and getting a taste of what Kevin Love can do is more than enough for me.