The Minnesota Timberwolves hope to locate their defense on Friday when they open a three-game homestand against the injury-riddled Phoenix Suns in Minneapolis.
The Timberwolves saw a four-game winning streak go by the boards against another short-handed team in the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons had their way with Minnesota on the offensive end Wednesday, much to the chagrin of Timberwolves coach Chris Finch.
The Suns also gave the scoreboard operator a bit of a workout in the first two games of the season series. Phoenix posted a 116-107 win over Minnesota on Nov. 1 and a 129-117 victory eight days later.
Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert collected 25 points and 11 rebounds in the game on Nov. 9. Although he had 16 and 14, respectively, on Wednesday, Gobert was left searching for answers.
Minnesota may have another thing to figure out, and that’s the health of Anthony Edwards. The former top overall pick initially was ruled out for the game in the third quarter with hip soreness before he returned in the fourth.
Phoenix is struggling to figure things out after the club fell for the 10th time in 12 outings following a 126-97 setback against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Torrey Craig scored 16 points and Josh Okogie added 14 off the bench for the Suns, who played without Deandre Ayton (left ankle sprain), Landry Shamet (right hip soreness), Chris Paul (sore right hip), Cameron Payne (right foot sprain), Devin Booker (left groin strain) and Cam Johnson (torn right meniscus).
Despite the injuries, Phoenix coach Monty Williams said he feels confident that the team can record positive results on its four-game road trip. The Suns opened the trek with a 125-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday before falling flat against Denver.
