Shootaround Stuff: Wolves-Raptors

Hello, everyone.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a lackluster 12-25 all-time against the Toronto Raptors. The Wolves are losers in 19 of the previous 20 matchups between these teams dating back to 2004.

Andrew Wiggins has played more than 35 minutes in nearly every appearance since the All-Star Break. As fate would have it, of course, one of these instances took place in Toronto, where his (essential) homecoming was spoiled due to early foul trouble. Wiggins would finish with 15 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting but the Raptors ultimately defeated the Wolves, 105-100.

Anthony Bennett, Wiggins' fellow Canadian, did not play in Toronto but is expected to play tonight. He missed 18-games after suffering an ankle sprain in a game against the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 20. As for everyone else...

Gorgui Dieng: Sat out Monday's game vs. Utah due to concussion-like symptoms, having been injured Sunday at New Orleans. He will not play tonight against Toronto.

Kevin Garnett: Has missed the last 11 contests due to a sore left knee. Doubtful.

Kevin Martin: Dressed but did not play in the past five contests due to a strained left hamstring. Questionable.

Shabazz Muhammad: Underwent surgery on Feb. 23 to repair a ruptured ligament in the middle finger on his left hand. Expected to miss remainder of season.

Gary Neal: Will not play in tonight's contest. (Not sure how much, or if, he enjoys being here.)

Nikola Pekovic: Done for the season.

Ricky Rubio: Has missed the past seven games (and nine of the last 10) due to a sore left ankle. Doubtful.

Toronto's Kyle Lowry will not play tonight (back spasms).

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Scribblings

A handful of media people from Toronto were hanging around Target Center, asking Wiggins questions locals have heard the Wolves' rookie answer time and time again.

(Disclaimer: Not complaining.) Wiggins can be a tough interview because he doesn't usually dish out substantial responses. This is just his personality. Wiggins is remarkably humble, polite and always seems to have the right answers, even when he doesn't say all that much. Today, there was an interesting exchange between he and one of said media peeps. (I thought it was interesting--I know, what a vivid description--but you might not. IDK.)

Below is the transcription. Here's a link to the audio, for those who would like to listen.

Canada Media Guy: Jason Whitlock said, before the season started, that you and a few other Canadian players, maybe, didn't have the intensity; you didn't have to fight for what you had to get here, and they (‘the media') kinda used that as a generalization about Canadian basketball. Then, yesterday, he (Whitlock) went ahead and said how much he loved you, and how great Canadian basketball is. Is it just. Does it say something that, the way you played this year, the way other Canadians—who have come in (the league) in this draft class--have played? (something about proving, and continuing to prove people wrong. Recording is kinda fuzzy.)

Wiggins: Who said that?

Canada Media Guy: Jason Whitlock. He said it during the summer. He was just like, ‘you guys haven't had to fight for anything. Canadian basketball players don't have to fight for anything, because of where they come from. And then yesterday he was on PTI and he was like, ‘oh yea, you know I love Canadians, and I love Andrew (Wiggins), and Canadian basketball is great.'

Wiggins: I'm happy someone persuaded him to change his mind (about Canadian basketball).

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I see no reason *not* to post a music video.