Suns @ Timberwolves Preview @ Phoenix Suns(16-28) @ Minnesota Timberwolves(29-12) Sunday, Jan. 25 2:30 pm TV: FSNorth, Telemundo, UPN 45 Previous Game Pistons 79 @ Timberwolves 80 Spurs 86 @ Suns 84 Streaks Suns: Lost 2(4-6 in last 10) Timberwolves: Won 3(8-2 in last 10) Head Coaches vs. Probable Starters PG: vs. Barbosa vs. Cassell SG: vs. Johnson vs. Sprewell SF: vs. Marion vs. Hassell PF: vs. Jacobsen vs. Garnett C: vs. Voskuhl vs. Johnson 6th Men vs. Eisley vs. Hudson Key Matchup vs. Johnson: 14.5 Points (.418 FG %), 3.7 Assists, 4.4 Rebounds, 1.05 Steals, .292 3P % Sprewell: 18.2 Points (.426 FG %), 3.7 Assists, 4.1 Rebounds, 1.27 Steals, .292 3P % Injury Lists Phoenix Suns Antonio McDyess(Left knee tendinitis) Amare Stoudemire(Sprained ankle) Scott Williams(Back spasms) Minnesota Timberwolves Wally Szczerbiak(Strained plantar fascia in left foot) Michael Olowokandi(Right knee tendinitis) Keys to the Game <u>Phoenix Suns</u> <ul>Don't let Cassell get any open jump shots[/list] <ul>Don't let Garnett out rebound you. Send all your big men around him and box out like you life depended on it[/list] <ul>Get Marion hot. He needs to be the key offensive weapon in this game, so give him the ball early and let him do his thing.[/list] <ul>Keep your confidence. That loss to the Spurs last night might have left it a little dry, but you stayed close and should have a little confidence to face another Midwest Monster[/list] <u>Minnesota Timberwolves</u> <ul>Get Garnett the ball. Get him involved early and build up a big lead.[/list] <ul>Sprewell must be on tonight, because they are going to double team Garnett down low a lot, and Sprewell might be open on the perimeter. Must make his jump shots.[/list] <ul>Stop Marion. He's coming off a good game from the Spurs, shoot him down while he is up. He doesn't have Marbury to create his shots anymore, so use that to our advantage.[/list] <ul>Let Cassell do his thing. If we just let Sam run wild, it will be more than likely in our benefit.[/list] twolvefan11's Prediction I really don't see this one being close at all. But they way they played last night against the Spurs got me a little worried. They play good team basketball, but I think our defense will be able to stop it. I hope they don't play as good as they did last night, or it will be a close one. I see the Wolves shutting them down and winning. I see us taking a big lead early and pretty much keep it for the rest of the game. Timberwolves by 9
Great preview, I agree, this'll be an easy take. It'll be interesting to see how Barbosa plays, he's been playing very well as of late. It's a shame Amare isn't around, he's really needed. Phoenix has been having a tough year, although they've been having streaks every now and then. Whoa Johnson and Spree are like identical, I think the Timberwolves will overpower them on both ends, not too easy, afterall hardworkers like Marion are around. He's bound to pull something to keep them close. Timberwolves by 6.
Well I think this is going to be alot closer than the 1st matchup between these 2 teams. The Suns are playing with alot of energy, which should help them keep the game close early, but with sam coming off a bad game. I expect him to eat up the Suns point guards. Howard Eisley has proven time in & time out (as a knick) that he cant stay with Sam to save his life. Last time the T-wolves played the Suns scored 27pts & 8 ast. And the Last time Sam played Howard Eisley he scored 31pts. So you do the math I expect nothing less than mid 20's from Sam in this game. And the Trenton Hassell vs Joe Johnson matchup should be interesting one to watch. Joe Johnson has really stepped up since the Marbury trade. But Trenton Hassell has really been locking up everyone that he faces.
