The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to interview their third NBA head coaching candidate.  

Bernie Bickerstaff follows interviews of Terry Porter & Mike Woodson.

The Portland Trailblazers assistant will interview on Friday with President of Operations David Kahn & Owner Glen Taylor.

Bernie Bickerstaff is the father of former Timberwolves assistant J.B. Bickerstaff—who recently joined the coaching staff in Houston with former Wolves GM & Head Coach Kevin McHale.

Bernie is 67 years old and has ben a head coach with Seattle, Denver, Washington & Charlotte.  He last coached for the Bobcat in 2007 when the team went 33-49.  Bernie’s overall record stands at 415-517 in 13 seasons—with a .445 winning percentage.  Bernie also has experience as a General Manager and a Team President.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to interview Don Nelson as well as a number of other candidates early next week.

That’s all for now, remember to check back daily for all your up-to-date TWolves news, information & updates all year round!  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

2010-11 NBA Season: Former Minnesota Timberwolves Reserve Center: Kosta Koufos

Two premier big men: Tyson Chandler and Nene Hilario have decided to test the FA waters this offseason as both will hit the market.

The deadline to reach a new deal is midnight tonight (6/30) in order to be under the current CBA rules—however they would only be able to sign with their teams from last season (Dallas & Denver).

Tyson Chandler has said that there has been minimal conversation between him and the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, making an extension by tonight—highly unlikely.

As for Nene, he has already notified the Denver Nuggets that he will opt out of the final  year of his contract and hit the market this summer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in dire need of a quality center to place alongside Kevin Love.  

David Kahn has said he’s been looking for athletic veteran big men to run the floor with their new point guard—Ricky Rubio, something that Chandler could very well do.  However, the question is, does he want to go from contender to rebuilding…again?-NOT A CHANCE!

Nene is another option.  There’s no doubt he’s an incredible center and one of the very best in the League.  However with the gameplan seemingly being fast-break/run-and-gun offense next year (if there is a next year/season), Nene wouldn’t be the right option.

These two big men definitely have to be options for the young Wolves looking for an upgrade at the 5—over Dako Milicic.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for your up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

Stay with us all night as we bring you the 2011 NBA Draft updates.  Updated every minute!!!

ROUND ONE

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Clippers)

-Kyrie Irving, G, Duke

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

-Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

#3 Utah Jazz (via New Jersey Nets)

-Enes Kanter, C, Turkey/Kentucky

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers

-Tristan Thompson, F, Texas

#5 Toronto Raptors

-Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

#6 Washington Wizards

-Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic

#7 Sacramento Kings (traded to Charlotte Bobcats)

-Bismack Biyombo, F-C, Congo

#8 Detroit Pistons

-Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky

#9 Charlotte Bobcats

-Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut

#10 Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Sacramento)

-Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU

#11 Golden State Warriors

-Klay Thompson, G, Washington State

#12 Utah Jazz

-Alec Burks, G, Colorado

#13 Phoenix Suns

-Markieff Morris, F, Kansas

#14 Houston Rockets

-Marcus Morris, F, Kansas

#15 Indiana Pacers

-Kawhi Leonard, F, San Diego State

#16 Philadelphia 76ers

-Nikola Vucevic, F, USC

#17 New York Knicks

-Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech

#18 Washington Wizards (via Atlanta Hawks)

-Chris Singleton, F, Florida State

#19 Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans Hornets) (traded to Milwaukee)

-Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee

#20 Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies) (traded to Houston Rockets)

-Donatas Motiejunas, F, Lithuania

#21 Portland Trailblazers

-Nolan Smith, G, Duke

#22 Denver Nuggets

-Kenneth Faried, F, Morehead  State

#23 Houston Rockets (via Orlando Magic) (traded to Minnesota, then moved to Chicago)

-Nikola Mirotic, F, Spain

#24 Oklahoma City Thunder

-Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College

#25 Boston Celtics (traded to New Jersey Nets)

-Marshon Brooks, G, Providence

#26 Dallas Mavericks

-Jordan Hamilton, F, Texas

#27 New Jersey Nets (via Los Angeles Lakers) (traded to Boston)

-JaJuan Johnson, F ,Purdue

#28 Chicago Bulls (via Miami Heat) (traded to Minnesota) (then to Miami)

-Norris Cole, G, Cleveland State

#29 San Antonio Spurs

-Cory Joseph, G, Texas

#30 Chicago Bulls

-Jimmy Butler, F, Marquette

ROUND TWO

#31 Miami Heat (via Minnesota Timberwolves) (traded back to Minnesota) (then traded to New Jersey for cash)

-Bojan Bogdanovic, G, Croatia

#32 Cleveland Cavaliers

-Justin Harper, F, Richmond

#33 Detroit Pistons (via Toronto Raptors)

-Kyle Singler, F, Duke

#34 Washington Wizards

-Shelvin Mack, G, Butler

#35 Sacramento Kings

-Tyler Honeycutt, F, UCLA

#36 New Jersey Nets

-Jordan Williams, F, Maryland

#37 Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit Pistons)

-Trey Thompkins, F, Georgia

#38 Houston Rockets (via Los Angeles Clippers)

-Chandler Parsons, F, Florida

#39 Charlotte Bobcats

-Jeremy Tyler, C, San Diego/Japan

#40 Milwaukee Bucks

-Jon Leuer, F , Wisconsin

#41 Los Angeles Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey Nets)

-Darius Morris, G , Michigan

#42 Indiana Pacers (traded to San Antonio Spurs)

-Davis Bertans, F , Latvia 

#43 Chicago Bulls (via Utah Jazz) (traded to Minnesota)

-Malcolm Lee, G , UCLA

#44 Golden State Warriors (from Phoenix via Chicago Bulls)

-Charles Jenkins, G, Hofstra

#45 New Orleans Hornets (sold to New York for $750K)

-Josh Harrelson, C, Kentucky

#46 Los Angeles Lakers (from New York Knicks)

-Andrew Goudelock, F, College of Charleston

#47 Los Angeles Clippers (from Houston Rockets)

-Travis Leslie, G, Georgia 

#48 Atlanta Hawks

-Keith Benson, C, Oakland

#49 Memphis Grizzlies

-Josh Selby, G, Kansas

#50 Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans Hornets)

-Lavoy Allen, F, Temple University

#51 Portland Trailblazers

-John Diebler, G, Ohio State

#52 Detroit Pistons

-Vernon Macklin, F, Florida

#53 Orlando Magic

-DeAndre Liggins, G, Kentucky

#54 Cleveland Cavaliers (from Oklahoma City via Miami Heat)

-Milan Macvan, F, Serbia

#55 Boston Celtics

-E’Twaun Moore, G, Purdue

#56  Los Angeles Lakers

-Chukwudiebere Maduabum, F, Bakersfield (NBDL)

#57 Dallas Mavericks (traded to Portland) (then traded to Minnesota)

-Tanguy Ngombo, F, Qatar

#58 Los Angeles Lakers (from Miami Heat)

-Ater Majok, F, Sudan

#59 San Antonio Spurs

-Adam Hanga, G, Hungary

#60 Sacramento Kings (from Chicago Bulls via Milwaukee Bucks)

-Isaiah Thomas, G, Washington

UPDATE: June 1, 2011 9:30pmCT.  Along with Hunter & Douby, the TWolves will also be working out Orien Greene, J.R. Giddens, Cedric Jackson, Matt Janning, Alexander Johnson, Jerel McNeal, James Singleton, John Thomas, Matt Bouldin, DeShawn Sims, Darius Washington Jr., James Mays and Chris Daniels.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are holding free-agent workouts this Thursday & Friday at the Target Center in Minneapolis Minnesota.  

Among a crop of 15-some players, the Wolves are bringing in: center Steven Hunter and point guard Quincy Douby.

Douby would likely serve as a deep reserve in the backcourt, since it’s expected that free agent Sebastian Telfair won’t be back with the squad next year.  Douby hasn’t played since the ‘08-‘09 season, but in his three-year career he’s averaged 4.1ppg & 0.7apg in 10.7mpg.

Hunter would likely be another deep reserve in the frontcourt behind Darko Milicic & Nikola Pekovic.  Hunter hasn’t played since the ‘09-‘10 season with the Grizzlies.  However, in his 8-year career he’s been a bit of an NBA journeyman playing for 5 different teams (Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets & Memphis Grizzlies).  In his NBA career he’s averaged 4.5ppg, 3.2rpg & 1.1bpg in 15mpg.

We’ll have more for you after the workouts are held, on who stood out and who has a chance at joining the Wolves for the ‘11-‘12 campaign.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The following is a list of the potential center free agents come summer.  Some, have early termination options (player & team), others are restricted free agents (any team that makes them an offer can be matched by their current team) and lastly unrestricted free agents.

This is a look at all the possible center free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of players that the Timberwolves need to target, but rather a list of the potential free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Nene Hilario (ETO): Nene is, without a doubt the biggest NBA center free agent this summer.  However, he has an early termination option and could still be with the Denver Nuggets for another season or sign an extension for long-term.  Nene has been linked to such teams as: the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers & New York Knicks.  Miami & New York both would have to trade other pieces to be able to sign him to a contract he’d accept.  Houston & Portland could potentially work something out, however Minnesota seems like it could be a destination as well.  I’m not quite sure that the best free agent center is going to leave a contender (Nuggets) to join a continually struggling squad (Timberwolves).  I would expect the Nuggets and Nene to work out a long-term contract that’ll keep him in Denver, after all, that’s where he wants to be.

-Ronny Turiaf (PO): Ronny Turiaf, currently a member of the New York Knicks and their current starting center.  Turiaf is an undersized center and isn’t exactly a top-notch option for most teams.  I think you can be assured that Turiaf will remain with the Knicks and accept his $4M+ option.

-Shaquille O’Neal (PO): Shaquille O’Neal has had a season plagued by injury.  A lot of leg problems for the 39-year-old dominant big man.  Shaq, has proven that even in limited time can still be a force on both ends of the floor.  That being said, do I think he’ll be back for another season in Bean Town or anywhere for that matter?  I really don’t think so.  The old timers, time is winding down and I do believe this ‘10-‘11 season will be his last.

-Ryan Hollins (PO): You better believe that this young big man will be accepting his player option for another season in Cleveland.  Ryan Hollins (the former Timberwolf) has a player option for $2M+ and you and I both know he won’t be able to grab that kind of money in free agency.  He’s an athletic center who can jump out of the gym, however, beyond that, well….there is no beyond that.

-Zydrunas Ilgauskas (PO): Z!  The 7-3 big man is currently a member of the Miami Heat.  He’s gotten a few starts, but has gotten some significant time off the bench as well.  No matter the end result of the Heat’s playoff run, Z will be back in the League for another season and I guarantee you, if that’s the case, it’ll be in Miami, on a contender, in quest for a ring!

-Aaron Gray (PO): Aaron Gray of the New Orleans Hornets is one big man!  A 7-foot 270+lb.  There’s really nothing beyond his size though.  He’s a role player and always will be.  The Timberwolves have Pek as their backup center, but may be in search for a 3rd string big, Gray could be their man.  The Hornets could have him back and I could see him re-upping with the Hornets however.

-Marc Gasol (R): After Nene, Marc Gasol is the next best free agent center.  Considering he’s a few years younger than Nene and could still become even better, you could argue he’s the biggest free agent center name.  Gasol is a restricted free agent and the Grizzlies seem to have every intention of matching any offer Gasol receives.  The Knicks seem to be the most interested team in his services.  I know a lot of Wolves fans ‘salivate’ (if that’s the correct word) at the thought of a Love-Gasol frontcourt.  

-DeAndre Jordan (R): DeAndre has made some bounds this season along with his buddy Blake Griffin in the Clippers frontcourt.  Jordan has become a solid low-post defender.  At just 22 years old, he’d be a great option for any team to pick up.  However, the Clippers have made it clear that they have every intention on Jordan being their center of the future after starting him over Chris Kaman (a former All-Star).  I’d expect the Clips to match any offer.  Now, turning to the Wolves, looking at a Love-Jordan frontcourt would be offense-defense, old school-athleticism, young potential-young potential.  It’s certainly a interesting option.

-Greg Oden (R): Greg Oden is another name that has had some mumblings throughout the TWolves community.  Oden has had an injury-riddled career.  The former #1 pick has proven he can be a difference-maker for his squad when healthy, however, his knees haven’t been able to hold up.  Oden will be a restricted free agent and the Blazers are expected to match any offers, however the Wolves may be able to acquire the 7-footer.  When healthy he would bring a defensive force to the Wolves next to Love on the frontline.

-Tyson Chandler: Yet another big name the Wolves could certainly look to acquire.  Tyson Chandler is currently a member of the championship-contending Dallas Mavericks who just swept the Lakers 4-0 on their way to the Conference Finals.  Chandler and he Mavs will likely come to some sort of contract agreement to keep the lengthy defender next to a perfect counterpart (Nowitzki).  Hopes are high that Chandler would be an equally impressive center next to Love in the frontcourt.

-Samuel Dalembert: A veteran shot-blocker with the ability to change games with his interior defense.  Dalembert is a veteran big man, who beyond his defense isn’t a great asset in the frontcourt.  However his defense would be a welcome addition to Love and Beasley as well as the Timberwolves lackluster team defense overall.  Dalembert is a name that is on more than a few radars and I’d expect him to sign for a bargain with the New York Knicks as their startin center next to Amar’e in their frontcourt.

-Yao Ming: The tallest player currently in the NBA at 7-6 has struggled with foot injuries in the past few years.  His enormous frame is damaging his feet, just like others before him: Bill Walton.  Yao, when healthy, is a changes the game for his squad.  His massive frame clogs up the middle and is not only a low-post defensive force, but his interior offense is probably the best of any center free agent.  Yao is also one of the League’s best free throw shooting big man.  Yao will likely sign for a small contract to stay in Houston, but I guarantee he’s an option the Wolves will consider.

-Nenad Krstic: A small piece of the Boston-Oklahoma City trade that featured Jeff Green, Kendrick Perkins & Nate Robinson.  Nenad is currently a reserve center for the Celtics, but I wouldn’t expect they’ll take him back.  Nenad will likely jump on with another team as a 2nd or 3rd string center.  He’s not an option for the Wolves that makes sense unless he’d be a deep bench warmer.

-Joel Pryzbilla: Pryzbilla was vocal in stating, that before the Trade Deadline, he wanted to stay in Portland for the remainder of the season and possibly his career.  That didn’t happen, Pryzbilla was a part of the deal that sent Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trailblazers.  Pryzbilla didn’t play much at all and was shut down with injuries.  He could be back as a center for the Bobcats in the future, but before he was traded he said that in free agency, he would also possibly consider offers from the Bucks (where he started his career) or the New York Knicks who are desperate for some quality big men.

-Chuck Hayes: The 6-6 center Chuck Hayes started his career and he will end his career in Houston.  Hayes wants to remain in Houston long-term as do the Rockets.  Hayes is a physical defender and center but is simply a reserve.  Hayes is a Rocket and will continue to be a Rocket.

-Jeff Foster: The Indiana Pacers 2nd string center (behind Roy Hibbert) Foster is a free agent this summer.  Foster is a veteran presence in the locker room and a quality reserve center for any team.  His name has been linked to the New York Knicks mostly.  Foster isn’t an option that makes sense for the Wolves, but Jeff will likely garner a lot of interest of contenders in search of a quality backup.

-Nazr Mohammed: Nazr was traded from the Bobcats to the Thunder just before the Trade Deadline.  Mohammed is a quality veteran, not a starter-quality big man, but a reserve big man that can make a difference with his overall play.  He’s the kind of big man that is solid overall, but doesn’t really do anything special altogether. 

-Erick Dampier: Erick Dampier was picked up as the 5th center for the Miami Heat earlier in the year.  After some time he secured a role as the starting center.  Dampier is a big body in the post.  A very physical center.  More of a defensive player, who will occasionally get involved on offense.  He fits well with the Heat as they don’t expect a whole lot from him.  A few boards, low-post D and just a rough physicality.  I’d expect him to be back in Miami next year.

-Dan Gadzuric: Gadzuric was traded from the Bucks to the Warriors and from the Warriors to the Nets in a matter of just over half a year.  Gadzuric is a reserve center that won’t get a lot of time, but is an insurance big man.  Dan may get an offer from a contender, but the Wolves won’t be a team that comes knocking.

-Alexis Ajinca: Ajinca was traded from the Mavericks to the Raptors earlier this year.  He’s likely the worst available free agent center.  The 7-footer will likely catch on with another team, simply because of his young age and possibility of being able to improve.  Ajinca won’t be an option for Minnesota though.

-Recap and Highlights of the MIN-DEN game April 9th (aka Ty Lawson highlight reel)

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting frontcourt are likely done for the season.  Kevin Love is still currently nursing a groin injury that has kept him out of 7 of the Wolves’ past 9 games.  Darko Milicic has missed 3 of the Wolves’ past 4 games, though he did return for 10 minutes in the game vs. the Suns before re-injuring his ankle.

The Timberwolves have tried a number of different lineups in an attempt to fill the void: Anthony Tolliver, Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley have all started at some point for the Wolves in Love’s absence and Nikola Pekovic has absorbed the majority of the starting minutes in Darko’s absence.

According to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, neither of the Wolves starting frontcourt players will play Monday vs. the Suns and therefore, there would be no point in them returning for the Wednesday night finale vs. the Rockets back at the Target Center.

Minnesota has got some better contributions from Michael Beasley as well as from their reserves in Love’s absence.  In all 9 of their past games, Michael Beasley has scored in double-figures every night and has scored 20+ points in 5 of those 9 games.  In the past 5 games reserve Martell Webster has scored in double-figures in each game, playing between 20-35 minutes in those games.  Reserve forward Anthony Randolph got two starts, but in those 9 games he’s scored in double-digits 6 of those games.  As well as a new career-high 31 points, in his first start of the season vs. Dallas.  Reserve forward Anthony Tolliver has also seen a bump in minutes and he got two starts at the 4-spot and in the 9 games he’s scored in double-figures in all but 3 of them.

The biggest thing that’s been missing in Kevin Love’s absence has been the team’s rebounding.  Without the All-Star pulling in 10-25 a night, the Wolves have certainly struggled.  They aren’t the same team as the stats say: 1st overall in the NBA with 44.4rpg.  In fact in the seven games without Kevin Love the Wolves stats look like this: vs. DAL: 38-43DAL, vs. OKC 40-40, vs. BOS 42-49MIN, vs. MEM 34-44MEM, vs. NJN 46-37MIN, vs. PHO 44-38PHO, vs. DEN 38-49DEN.  In 4 of those games they’ve been out-rebounded and the Wolves have reached their 44.4rpg average or more just twice!

Overall, this may be good/bad news.  The Timberwolves are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the worst record in the NBA: 17-63, which gives them a 22.5% chance of securing the top pick in June’s draft.  If they end with the worst record they’ll have a 25% chance and if they do better than the Cavs they’ll have a 19.9% chance of the top pick.  Obviously without their starting frontcourt, they have a decreased chance of losing games (pretty pathetic when you have to word it like that!).

The Timberwolves play Monday night versus the Phoenix Suns.  You can expect Darko and Love watching from the sidelines.  Tipoff is set for 9pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found in the previous post on this site; a full gameday recap can be found here, following the final horn.  Thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets scorched the Minnesota Timberwolves from deep as he made 10-of-11 3’s to finish with 37 points in a 106-130 blowout.

The Timberwolves were once again without their starting frontcourt: All-Star Kevin Love (strained left groin injury) and Darko Milicic (ankle).  Thus, the Timberwolves had the following starting lineup- PG: Luke Ridnour SG: Wesley Johnson SF: Michael Beasley PF: Anthony Tolliver C: Nikola Pekovic.  The Nuggets started- PG: Ty Lawson SG: Gary Forbes SF: Danilo Gallinari PF: Kenyon Martin C: Nene.  The Nuggets were without Wilson Chandler (ankle), Arron Afflalo (hamstring), Timofey Mozgov (ankle & knee), Chris Andersen (ankle), Danilo Gallinari was injured in the game with an ankle sprain.

Lawson made his first 10 three-point shots before missing a 28-foot heave from deep and finished with a new career high: 37 points.  Lawson, in fact, didn’t score until sinking a pair of free throws with 6 minutes into the second quarter.  Had he not taken that last three at the buzzer that missed, he would’ve set a new NBA record for most consecutive threes made, Latrell Sprewell went 9-for-9 for the Knicks versus the Clippers in 2003.  Lawson, however, did happen to outscore the Wolves all by himself 24-19 in the third quarter!

At one point, it was a close game, the T’Wolves were in a close game 41-39.  Then Lawson and the rest of the Nuggets got hot and it turned into utter embarrassment for the Wolves.  At one point the Nuggets led by 35 points!

Denver’s 19 3-pointers in 38 attempts was a new franchise record.

The top performers for Minnesota included: reserves Lazar Hayward and Martell Webster both had 15 points apiece.  Webster also added 5 rebounds.  Michael Beasley had 14 points in 29 minutes on 5-of-12 shooting.  Anthony Randolph added 13 off the bench as well as 6 boards.  Wesley Johnson had 13 points, 6 boards and 3 assists.  Jonny Flynn had 10 points and 9 assists off the bench.  Wayne Ellington also had 10 off the bench.

The top performers for Denver included: Ty Lawson-37 points (new career-high), 7 rebounds (new career-high) and 6 assists.  J.R. Smith had 18 points in 32 minutes off the bench as well as 8 rebounds.  Raymond Felton came off the bench with 11 points and 14 assists.  Kenyon Martin had 12 points and 8 rebounds.  Reserve Al Harrington had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.  Former Wolf Kosta Koufos added 11 points and 6 boards off the bench.  Starters Nene and Gary Forbes both had 10 points 5 rebounds and 4 assists apiece.  

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be back in action Monday night against the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix.  Tipoff is set for 9pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site before then.  Until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

All-Star Kevin Love has missed 6 of the Timberwolves’ last 8 games, with a strained left groin injury.  There have been a number of different reports saying when and where Love may return, but with just 3 games left for the Wolves, the chances look slim that Love will return this season.  

In the most recent report, Kevin Love talked to the media and said that if he doesn’t play tonight (Saturday) vs. the Nuggets (April 9th), he’ll shut it down for the season.  The chance of him not playing tonight are pretty good, considering he didn’t practice yesterday (Friday).  

Head Coach Kurt Rambis has said about Love’s remaining season and whether he’ll shut it down, “we’re not making that conclusion now, we just take it game by game and see if he’s available.”

Many other reports have said that the Timberwolves will hold Love out of the games to assure that they’ll secure the worst record in the NBA and therefore have the best mathematical chance of attaining the top pick in June’s Draft.  As of right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Timberwolves are tied for the worst record in the NBA: 17-62!

After tonight’s game vs. the Nuggets the Timberwolves will face the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix on April 11th and will finish out the season at the Target Center vs. the Houston Rockets on April 13th.

Without Love in the lineup, Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph will continue to pick up a lot of the minutes off the bench (see Anthony Tolliver/Randolph article on my blog).

The Timberwolves will play the Nuggets tonight, where we’ll find out whether Kevin Love will be able to play for the remaining season.  Tipoff is set for 8:30pmCT from the Pepsi Center.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn and updates will be added to Kevin Love’s status for the game.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier tonight, 104-89.  It was for the second time THIS WEEK.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th, 11:10p.m.)

UPDATE: Both Kevin Love and Darko Milicic will travel with the Wolves on this 2-game road trip, however both are listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game in Denver, furthermore neither player practiced today.  Kevin Love said after sitting out practice, that if he doesn’t play tomorrow night, then he’ll most likely shut it down for the season.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th 2011, 2:11p.m.)

Saturday night the Minnesota Timberwolves will square off at the Pepsi Center with their division rivals the playoff-bound Denver Nuggets.  This will be the first-time the Wolves will get a chance to play the new-look Denver Nuggets since that blockbuster Carmelo Anthony deal.

The Timberwolves are currently skidding on a 12-game losing streak and are the NBAs worst team as the Cavaliers sit a 0.5 above them.  Wolves: 17-62, Cavaliers: 17-61.  The Timberwolves continue to face the NBAs elite teams and without K-Love, it makes it all the harder to compete.  After the Nuggets game, they have two more: @Phoenix on April 11th and their last game, back at the Target Center vs. the Houston Rockets on April 13th.  The Cavaliers on the other hand will face the Bulls, the Bucks and finish out the season against two beatable teams: the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons.  If the Wolves maintain the worst record in the NBA, they’ll have the best mathematical chance at the #1 pick (25% chance).

The Nuggets on the other hand are playoff-bound as they currently hold the 5th seed in the bracket and will be looking to add to their win total as they currently sit at 48-30.  As of right now, by the current standings, the Nuggets will be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

The Timberwolves are coming off a loss Wednesday night to the Phoenix Suns as they were defeated 108-98 at the Target Center.  They were without All-Star Kevin Love, still dealing with a groin injury.  Also, Darko Milicic had originally injured his ankle in the game against Miami, but re-injured it 10 minutes into the game Wednesday night, no word yet on whether he’ll be able to play.

The Nuggets are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, in what could be a preview to their playoff matchup.  Tipoff for that one is set for 7pmCT.

The key players for Minnesota will be: Michael Beasley-with Kevin Love, most likely out he’ll need to continue his solid play, but he’s also got to remember to get his teammates involved, to often he tries to put them on his back and doesn’t trust his team, one of the many problems for these Young Wolves this season.  Wesley Johnson-we know he’s got it in him to be a solid offensive contributor, but since his 29-point eruption against the Lakers, he’s faded and isn’t helping them out at all on the scoreboard.  THE BENCH-they’ve been solid lately, headlined by Martell Webster, Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph, these guys are good enough to combine for 50pts a game off the pine.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they are all well into the double-digits by the end of the night.

The key players for Denver will be: Wilson Chandler: Chandler has been one of my favorite players this season, he’s really improved his game and is a threat on both ends, he is their sixth man, but he’ll see plenty of time against the Wolves’ forwards.  DEN’s PGs Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton: These are two young and quite talented point guards that split time as the floor general, Ridnour and Flynn need to step up their game to deal with these two.  Nene-with Darko possibly out, Pekovic will be matched up against Nene, in what should be a very physical and fun matchup to watch, Nene’s a beast on the block and is tops in field goal percentage in the NBA.

Tipoff is set for 8:30pmCT from the Pepsi Center Saturday night.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  Until then, thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!