Timberwolves, Warriors battle for their playoff lives

Golden State is tied with the Clippers for the eighth and final playoff berth in the West, while the Timberwolves are just one-half game behind the Warriors and Clippers.

The Warriors play the finale of a short two-game homestand. Don Nelson and the Warriors apparently have the formula of how to beat Dallas, and Monday it came at the right time as Golden State blew out the Mavericks, 117-100, at ORACLE Arena. Nelson’s Warriors are the only team to beat Dallas twice this year.

Mickael Pietrus had 20 points to lead six Golden State players in double figures, as the Warriors have won four of their last five contests overall. Jason Richardson, Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson all scored 16 points for Golden State, which shot 57.1 percent from the field in the victory.

The Warriors, who have won three in a row as the host, are 23-10 at home this season. They will visit the Seattle SuperSonics on Saturday and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

Minnesota opens a five-game road trip. Kevin Garnett scored 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds, as the Timberwolves held on to defeat the Indiana Pacers, 86-81, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Rookie Randy Foye finished with 16 points off the bench for Minnesota, which snapped a two-game losing streak. Rashad McCants added 12 points, whileMarko Jaric scored 11 for the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves are just 9-22 on the road this season. They will also visit the Lakers, Phoenix, Sacramento and Seattle on the current swing.

This is the second of three meetings between the clubs this season. On February 7th, Ricky Davis scored 26 points and Mark Blount netted 22 to lead the Timberwolves over Golden State, 121-93, at the Target Center.

Minnesota has lost two straight after winning its last two at Golden State. The Timberwolves have won two in a row in the series.

Golden State is scheduled to host the Timberwolves on April 15th at ORACLE Arena.