Timberwolves start week off against some old friends

Minnesota hosts the Boston Celtics on Monday at the Target Center. The teams made a major trade last Thursday. Minnesota dealt forward Wally Szczerbiak, center Michael Olowokandi, forward/center Dwayne Jones and a future first round draft choice to Boston for guards Ricky Davis, Marcus Banks, center Mark Blount, forward Justin Reed and two conditional second round draft choices.

It will be the second meeting of the season between the Timberwolves and Celtics. On January 18th, Paul Pierce headlined a balanced attack with 25 points and eight rebounds to lead Boston to a 103-96 comeback victory over Minnesota at TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics have won three of four and six of the last eight meetings in this series. Boston has won five straight and seven of its last 10 at Minnesota.

The Timberwolves return home after going 1-2 on a three-game road trip. On Saturday, Tim Duncan had 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 102-88 win over Minnesota at the AT&T Center.

Kevin Garnett contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds while Davis netted 20 in his second game with the Timberwolves, who have lost four of their last five games overall. Blount ended with 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor.

Minnesota, which has lost two straight at the Target Center, is 13-8 as the host this season.

After Monday’s game, the Timberwolves will embark on a four-game road trip. They will visit the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns on the upcoming swing.

Davis has netted 20 or more points in both games since being traded to Minnesota. He is averaging 23 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the contests.

The Timberwolves are 1-10 when they allow 100 or more points this season.