Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves vs. Clippers 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130

Scouting Report:
Big Picture:

Kurt Rambis DOWNLOAD MP3 Damien Wilkins DOWNLOAD MP3

A potential playoff berth seems to move further away from the Clippers grasp with the recent struggles over the last 10 games. On Wednesday night, Los Angeles reached the tipping point by falling to the NBA's worst team; a 16-point loss in New Jersey. The Clippers sit at 20-25 while the Thunder, Hornets, and Grizzlies are building momentum in their own search for a postseason spot. Despite the loss of No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, Los Angeles features a deep roster that should be ascending in the Western Conference.

Last Meeting:
The Clippers hosted the first two contests and the games were only decided by a combined seven points. On December 16, Los Angeles cruised to a 120-95 victory at the Target Center as the team shot 52 percent from the floor to boast a 3-0 record against Minnesota this season.

Backcourt:
Sebastian Telfair is out 4-6 weeks with a torn hip muscle, which affects the second unit for this Clippers squad. To compound the problem, Eric Gordon suffered a sprained left big toe and missed the past three games before stepping back on to the floor Wednesday night. Gordon is enjoying a terrific sophomore season by averaging 16.9 points at the shooting guard position. His small but strong frame allows for powerful drives to the lane and he owns one of the best shooting strokes in the 2008 draft class. In the December 16 victory over the Wolves, Gordon posted 25 points, reaching the free throw line 13 times. Minnesota has held point guard Baron Davis to an average of just 9.3 points but the veteran has found ways to involve his Clippers teammates in the offense. Davis is dishing out nine assists per game against the Wolves, slightly above his season average of eight.

Frontcourt:
The All-Star reserves were announced last night and Chris Kaman was one of about seven players that were considered snubs. Kaman was beat out by big men Zach Randolph and Pau Gasol. Regardless of his omission off the Western Conference All-Star roster, Kaman is providing impact inside the paint for the Clippers. The seven-footer is right at his season numbers when facing Minnesota, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9.3 boards in the three meetings. Next to Kaman, Los Angeles has the benefit of starting another seven-foot center at the power forward position. Marcus Camby was limited to only seven minutes on Wednesday night due to bruised ribs. The team lists Camby as day-to-day at this point and losing his tremendous rebounding abilities could prove to be a major blow for the Clippers frontline. On the opposite side, Kevin Love bounced back from a 3-for-8 shooting performance in New York to score 20 points on Wednesday. Al Jefferson searches for the offensive touch that escaped him in the past three outings. After recording 20-plus points in six straight games, Big Al is in the midst of a mini-slump with 27 combined points over the last three contests.

What To Look For:
The Wolves returned from the two-game road trip on Thursday with a singular focus; defense. Minnesota accepted responsibility for allowing 127 against Milwaukee, 132 in New York, and 109 on Wednesday night to the Cavaliers. The Clippers only rank 26th in the league in points scored, which should give the Wolves an opportunity to reestablish their defensive identity.

Head coach Kurt Rambis told reporters at shootaround that he will adjust the starting lineup tonight against Los Angeles. Ryan Gomes moves to the small forward spot while Ryan Hollins jumps off the bench at the power forward position. Rambis hopes the change will "jump start" the starting unit and create a deep bench with Damien Wilkins and Love coming off the pine.

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