After losing at San Antonio, this should be the perfect pick-me-up. They have 12 consecutive wins against the Wolves, including their last six trips to Target Center. ... They hope to keep a streak of sorts going tonight. They have not yet lost two in a row. ... Even though they lost in OT to New Orleans, they still haven't had a game decided by less than seven points. ... About the only player who had an efficient night at San Antonio was Shawn Marion, who had 11 points and nine rebounds, but was saddled by foul trouble. ... Everybody else shot the ball poorly, particularly Josh Howard (2-of-11) and Dirk Nowitzki (9-of-27).

Land of a thousand lakes? They should call this the land of a thousand leaks the way their defense allows floods of points. They got run off their home floor by 23 points against Portland on Wednesday, allowing the Blazers to shoot better than 55 percent. ... They have lost eight in a row since their season-opening win vs. New Jersey and defense has been little more than a rumor, giving up 106.5 points per game. ... In their last two games, they've lost by a combined 64 points. ... Rookie guard Jonny Flynn has been solid, averaging 15 points and shooting 48 percent. ... Al Jefferson has left the team for personal reasons and will not play today. ... Wolves are without Kevin Love (left hand).