Wolves vs. Kings: Back in the comfortable confines of Target Center

By: Nathan Brinkman

The Wolves return home tonight to face the Kings after two ugly losses on the road. 

The Timberwolves, currently on a 12-game home winning streak, have been playing extremely well at Target Center, so this game should play in their favor. Sacramento is also one of the worst teams in the NBA this season. 

What: Wolves - Kings
When: 6:10 PM CT
Where: Target Center. Minneapolis, MN.
Where to watch: Fox Sports North
Where to listen: 830 WCCO

What to watch for: 

Bounce back: As previously mentioned, the Wolves are coming off of two really bad losses. In both games, Jimmy Butler played very well but resorted to playing "hero-ball' down the stretch. The lack of offensive balance is perhaps what did the Wolves in in both games. Back at home, the wolves need to address this issue and distribute the ball more evenly throughout the game. Either way, this game will be a great opportunity for the Wolves to bounce back and get some positive momentum going.

Point Guard situation: In the loss to the Bulls, Jeff Teague made committed a terrible turnover after passing up on a wide open three point shot. This sequence led to Teague being benched for the remainder of the game. Teague has been very inconsistent this season and has made some glaring mental errors on the court. Meanwhile, Tyus Jones has been very consistent in terms of limiting turnovers and making the right play although his scoring has fluctuated. It will be interesting to see who finishes the game tonight at point guard.

Kings: Sacramento is a rebuilding team with some very nice young players. Rookie De'Aaron Fox and Second year player Buddy Hield have the potential to be a very good tandem if the stay together. This team reminds me of the Timberwolves not so long ago when the Wolves were going through their rebuilding years. The Kings and their core of young players could be a potential playoff matchup for the Wolves in years to come. 

Projected Starters

Minnesota: PG Jeff Teague, SG Jimmy Butler, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Taj Gibson, C Karl Anthony-Towns

Sacramento: PG De'aaron Fox SG Bogdan Bogdanovic, SF Justin Jackson, PF Zach Randolph, C Willie Cauley-Stein 

Prediction

Wolves blow out the Kings, 112-87. The Wolves are just the superior team at this point and they also NEED a win.