Gameday Primer: Wolves @ Hawks

By: Dan Slaubaugh

Good morning Wolves fans. I know Monday's aren't the funnest of days, but hey, at least there is a Timberwolves basketball game to watch tonight. That's always exciting. 

After a thrilling 101-93 victory over a veteran Chicago Bulls team Saturday night, the Wolves (3-2) are in Atlanta (7-1) tonight to take on the Hawks. The Wolves have yet to lose on the road this season (3-0) and are looking to keep that intact tonight. Atlanta is red-hot coming into tonight's game having won 7 straight. They haven't lost since opening night, in which they were defeated by the Pistons. This should be a fun game of basketball. Here's what you need to know.

What: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Atlanta Hawks
Where: Philips Arena. Atlanta, Georgia.
When: 7:00pm CST
Where to watch: Fox Sports North
Where to listen: 830 WCCO Radio

What to watch for:

Wiggins continuity: After a 31 point outburst Saturday night, Wiggins will need to have a strong performance tonight if Minnesota wants to improve to 4-2. Wiggins found his shot early and often Saturday night, knocking down 4 treys in the first half alone. He finished with a game high +20. Wiggins will either be guarded by the bigger defender in Kyle Korver (6'7"), or the more athletic Kent Bazemore (6'5"). If Minnesota wants to come out with a dub tonight, Wiggins needs to have a strong game.

Towns vs. Horford: The big KAT will be faced with a tough matchup tonight in Al Horford. This should be a great battle down low with the rookie phenom Towns, who currently leads the team with 9.6 rebounds per game and is 4th in the NBA in blocks - and the big man from Florida, who is having his typical all-star season putting up 17ppg, 8.3rpg, and 1.9bpg. This should be a fun matchup to watch all night. 

Atlanta's "Spur-like" play: About a year ago, when the Hawks burst onto the scene becoming a legit contender in the East, many people compared them to the San Antonio Spurs because of their "non-selfish" style of play and great defense they displayed night in and night out. Nothing's changed. They are still displaying those qualities this season as they are 2nd in the league in assists per game, behind Golden State, with 26.5 per game - and are the 10th best defensive team in regards to points allowed per game, giving up just 98.3 points a night. 

Team Leaders

Minnesota
Points: Kevin Martin (18.8)
Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns (9.6)
Assists: Ricky Rubio (9.2)
Steals: Ricky Rubio (2.2)
Blocks: Karl-Anthony Towns (3)

Atlanta
Points: Jeff Teague (18)
Rebounds: Paul Millsap (9.1)
Assists: Jeff Teague (6.3)
Steals: Paul Millsap (2.4)
Blocks: Al Horford (1.9)

Projected Starters

Minnesota 
PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Atlanta
PG: Jeff Teague
SG: Kyle Korver
SF: Kent Bazemore
PF: Paul Millsap
C: Al Horford

Injury Report

Minnesota

OUT: Nikola Pekovic (still recovering from surgery on right achilles)

Atlanta 

No reported injuries

Alrighty, that is all I have. This is another great challenge for Minnesota, matching up against another playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. The Wolves currently sit at the 6th spot in the Western Conference and are looking to move up with a win tonight.