T-Wolves hope to stop skid against Wizards

(Basketball News) - The Minnesota Timberwolves try to halt a two-game losing streak this evening when they play the middle contest of a three-game homestand against the Washington Wizards at the Target Center.

The Timberwolves got their homestand off on a losing note on Tuesday, as they dropped a 94-89 decision to Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets. Kevin Garnett had 25 points before fouling out in the closing seconds for Minnesota, which has dropped four of six.

Minnesota got within 92-89 with 4.2 seconds remaining, but McGrady hit two free throws to ice the victory. McGrady went 4-of-4 from the foul line in the final 9.2 seconds.

The Timberwolves, who will close their homestand against Charlotte on Saturday, are 3-1 in their building this season.

Washington, meanwhile, comes in on a rare losing note after falling to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-99, on Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Antawn Jamison had 26 points and 12 boards for the Wizards, who lost for just the second time in seven chances this season. Gilbert Arenas ended with 18 points and eight helpers in the setback. Arenas, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, was miserable from the floor connecting on just 4-of-17 shots.

Caron Butler had 14 points and Brendan Haywood chipped in 12 in the loss.

Washington, which will close a three-game road trip in New Jersey on Saturday, is 2-1 away from home this season.

Minnesota split two games with the Wizards last season, but has won eight of the last 10 matchups. Washington has also struggled at the Target Center, where it has dropped five straight.