The Minnesota Timberwolves will host a showdown against the Sacramento Kings at the Target Center. Action begins at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 23 and can be seen on CSA and FNo.
The Timberwolves are hoping for a better outcome after their 109-104 loss to the Warriors on Monday. Despite the loss, Ricky Rubio earned his 13th double-double this season with 20 points and 11 assists. The Kings, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 109-102 loss against the Bulls on Monday. Darren Collison had a game-high 19 points.
Over the last five games, a number of players have been better than usual for the Timberwolves. Andrew Wiggins has led the way, averaging 20.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.2 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.2 three-pointers. Gorgui Dieng (14.6 PTS, 8.0 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.8 STL, and 2.2 BLK) and Rubio (15.0 PTS, 4.2 REB, 11.4 AST, 2.4 STL, and 2.0 3PM) have also played at a high level.
The Timberwolves have emerged victorious in both games against the Kings this year, including a 99-95 win the last time these two teams met. Wiggins put up a double-double in the victory with 32 points and 10 rebounds.
Notes
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Sacramento Kings are a tremendous 11-3. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a subpar record of 5-24.
Sacramento is a losing 16-40 when it allows 100 or more points. Minnesota has a 17-24 record when it puts up triple digits.
The Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 107.9 (ranked 27th), while the Kings rank 17th for their offensive rating of 103.7.
Minnesota has an average field goal percentage of 46.1% (ranked eighth). Sacramento is an abysmal 8-30 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, Minnesota attempts 15.0 three pointers and Sacramento attempts 22.0 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Timberwolves are even at 1-1 while the Kings have a poor 8-15 record.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.60, rank 15th in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings have a lower A/TO (1.57), ranking 18th.
Minnesota ranks 27th in rebounds per game with 41.6, while Sacramento ranks eighth with 44.5 per game.
The Sacramento Kings rank 13th in offensive rebounding, while the Minnesota Timberwolves rank 28th in defensive rebounding.
Sacramento is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.0% (ranked eighth). Minnesota has a losing record of 9-23 SU this season when its TOV% reaches 15.0% or greater.
