Cavs hope to get back on winning track against Timberwolves

This is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Timberwolves are scheduled to host the Cavaliers on February 8, 2006 at the Target Center.

Minnesota has won five of the last six meetings in this series. The Timberwolves have won four of their last six at Cleveland.

The Cavaliers begin a two-game homestand, which will be followed by a three- game road trip. On Thursday, Ron Artest’s 21 points led a group of six Pacers that scored in double figures, as Indiana crushed Cleveland, 98-76, at Conseco Fieldhouse. Artest also shined on the defensive end, holding Cavs superstar LeBron James to just 6-of-20 shooting from the floor.

James ended with 19 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 7-of-11 from the free throw line in the loss to Indiana for the Cavaliers, while forward Drew Gooden finished with 16 points for Cleveland, which suffered its first loss since it fell to the Grizzlies, 113-106, on November 5 at Memphis.

Cleveland is a perfect 6-0 at home this season. The Cavaliers are scheduled to host the Clippers on Wednesday before hitting the road for games Seattle, the Clippers and Sacramento.

Minnesota starts a stretch where it will play six of its next eight games on the road. On Friday, Wally Szczerbiak scored 30 points and added six rebounds and six assists to help lead the Timberwolves past the Milwaukee Bucks, 99-91, at the Target Center.

Kevin Garnett added 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the win over Milwaukee for the Timberwolves, who have won three of their last four games overall. Marko Jaric ended with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting in the win.

The Timberwolves are 0-4 on the road this season. They are scheduled to host the Clippers on Tuesday before going on a four-game road trip that will include games at the Lakers, Sacramento, Utah and Portland.