The final set of regular-season matches before the All-Star weekend takes centre stage sees the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder lock horns at Target Center on Friday.
The sides head into this one off the back of contrasting results, as the hosts suffered a second straight defeat last time out while the visitors extended their winning streak to seven matches.
Match preview
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Going up against a Milwaukee Bucks outfit without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Timberwolves fluffed a glorious opportunity to get themselves back to winning ways as they fell to a 103-101 defeat on Thursday.
Having left themselves with a 12-point deficit to make up after the opening quarter, Chris Finch's men rallied in the second quarter to cut the deficit to one heading into the interval and took the lead with 48 seconds left before being usurped late on.
However, it was not for a lack of trying from Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid, with the duo combining for 50 points and 20 rebounds, including each of the Timberwolves' final 15 points in the last five minutes of action.
Suffering three straight defeats for the first time since early January, the Timberwolves remain seventh in the Western Conference standings, level on wins with sixth-place Los Angeles Clippers, who have, however, played two fewer games.
Friday's game is the first of two editions of this fixture 10 days apart on either side of a clash against the Houston Rockets for the Timberwolves in what is set to be a daunting run of matches over the next 20 days.
Just under six weeks since a 113-105 defeat against the away side earlier this year, the hosts will now be looking to exact revenge and even the series for the season.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as championship favourites over the first 50+ games of the campaign, and their latest 115-102 victory against the Miami Heat at PayCom Center on Thursday showed just why.
Down 21 with just under four minutes left in the second quarter, Mark Daigneault's men went all guns blazing to complete a stunning turnaround, thanks in no small part to their 24-0 run in the fourth quarter in which they gave up just eight points.
Unsurprisingly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a force to reckon with once again in his final outing before heading to San Francisco as he tallied 32 points, five rebounds and nine assists, while fellow All-Star Jalen Williams also chipped in with 18 points and six rebounds.
Now 8-1 over their last nine matches, the Thunder are looking uncatchable at the top of the Western Conference, where they currently boast eight more wins than the Memphis Grizzlies, who have played a game more.
Despite their current seven-game winning run, Friday's visitors have lost two of their most recent four away outings and will know they have to be at full speed to avoid coming up short on the road once again.
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Team News
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Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo is ruled out with a toe problem, while Mike Conley is a huge doubt for this one having missed three straight games due to a finger issue.
Thirty-year-old Julius Randle continues to nurse a groin problem and is also expected to miss out for the home side here alongside Dutchman Jesse Edwards.
Alex Caruso came off with left hip tightness in the Thunder's victory over the Miami Heat last time out, making the veteran a major doubt for Friday's encounter.
However, after missing the aforementioned game due to a rest, Chet Holmgren is expected to return to the fray for the away side, who are still with Ousmane Dieng (calf) and Cason Wallace (shoulder).
Nikola Topic is ruled out for the remainder of the season through a knee problem, although the Serbian is making steady progress with regard to a comeback.
Minnesota Timberwolves possible starting five:
Edwards, Alexander-Walker; McDaniels, Reid; Gobert
Oklahoma City Thunder possible starting five:
Gilgeous-Alexander, Wiggins; Dort, Williams; Hartenstein
We say: Thunder to win by 8+ points
The Oklahoma City Thunder have kept their standards high all season long and are showing no signs of letting off anytime soon.
We are backing them to get the job done and extend their winning streak.
Adepoju Marvellous
