Minnesota Timberwolves (26-38) vs. Golden State Warriors (22-41)
There are only 2 games remaining in the 2011-2012 NBA regular season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including tonight's matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
Given that Kevin Love, Luke Ridnour, Stephen Curry and David Lee are just a few of the players who are inactive for tonight's game, the on-court product might not be the highest quality basketball that's ever been played. Both teams are a combined 3-21 in the month of April. Of course, only one team will have a lottery pick this year.
It's Wesley Johnson! It's Jeremy Tyler! Tonight on Fox Sports North!
Be honest: if his name were not printed in the starting lineups, would you be able to name the player who is pictured above?
Projected Starting Lineups
C: Nikola Pekovic vs. Mickell Gladness
PF: Derrick Williams vs. Jeremy Tyler
SF: Wesley Johnson vs. Richard Jefferson
SG: Martell Webster vs. Klay Thompson
PG: J.J. Barea vs. Charles Jenkins
David Lee once played with a large hole in his elbow.. But I'm sure his "strained hip" injury is totally legit.
Last 5 Games
Minnesota Timberwolves (5th in Northwest, 20 1/2 behind OKC; 12th in West, 8 behind UTA)
Thu, Apr 12: Loss vs. LA Clippers 82-95
Sat, Apr 14: Loss vs. Oklahoma City 110-115
Mon, Apr 16: Loss at Indiana 88-11
Tue, Apr 17: Loss vs. Memphis 84-91
Thu, Apr 19: Win at Detroit 91-90
Golden State Warriors (4th in Pacific, 17 1/2 behind LAL; 13th in West, 11 1/2 behind UTA)
Sat, Apr 14: Loss at LA Clippers 104-112
Mon, Apr 16: Loss vs. San Antonio 99-120
Wed, Apr 18: Loss vs. LA Lakers 87-99
Fri, Apr 20: Loss at Dallas 94-104
Sat, Apr 21: Loss at Houston 96-99
It might be quicker for me to list the players who are not injured.
Injuries
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Love - Questionable with a mild concussion/strained neck
Darko Milicic - Out indefinitely with a strained right hamstring
Anthony Randolph - Questionable with a sore hamstring
Luke Ridnour - Questionable with a sprained right ankle
Ricky Rubio - Out after left knee surgery
Golden State Warriors
Andris Biedrins - Out with concussion symptoms
Andrew Bogut - Out indefinitely with a broken left ankle
Stephen Curry - Out indefinitely with a sore right ankle
David Lee - Out indefinitely with a strained groin/hip
Nate Robinson - Questionable with a sore right hamstring
Dorell Wright - Questionable with a sprained right ankle
Gordon Hayward and the Jazz had a huge overtime win last night against the Orlando Magic.
Utah Watch
The Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 117-107 in overtime, while Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets 118-107. Houston won their game last night against Golden State, 99-96.
Utah is in sole possession of the 8th seed in the West and is 1 game ahead of both Phoenix and Houston, who each have 33-31 records.The Jazz hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Rockets (2-1), but the Suns hold the tiebreaker over Utah (the Jazz are currently down 0-2 in the series).
Houston is on the road in Miami tonight. A loss would eliminate the Rockets, since Phoenix also holds the tiebreaker over them (based on conference record). If they win tonight and stay alive, their last game is at home against New Orleans on Thursday night.
The Jazz and Suns play each other on Tuesday night, which is the next game for both teams. If Utah wins, they will clinch the 8th seed. Phoenix plays their last game on Wednesday at home against San Antonio, and Utah plays their last game on Thursday at home against Portland.