Timberwolves still alive in West

Minnesota, which has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, is just two games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

All-Star Kevin Garnett leads the Timberwolves in scoring (22.9 ppg) and rebounding (12.6 rpg). He has scored in double-digits in all 61 games he has played and has collected 51 double-doubles and three triple- doubles this season. Garnett has scored more than 20 points in five straight games and is averaging 27.2 points and 11.0 rebounds in that span.

Minnesota will split its final 20 games during the regular season between the Target Center and the road.

The slumping Indiana Pacers try to avoid their 10th straight loss, as they visit the Timberwolves on Tuesday at the Target Center. It is the second and final meeting of the season between the teams. On December 23rd, Garnett scored 29 points and pulled down 19 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves to a 78-71 win over the Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Minnesota has lost 11 of its last 12 at Indiana. The Timberwolves are 3-14 at Indiana.

The Timberwolves have dropped two straight games. Josh Smith scored a career- high 32 points on 12-of-15 from the floor to lead Atlanta to a 99-93 victory over Minnesota on Saturday at Philips Arena

Garnett tallied 32 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost eight of their last 10 games overall. Ricky Davis ended with 19 points, while Troy Hudson scored 10 in defeat.

The Timberwolves are 18-13 at home this season. After Tuesday’s game, they will embark on a five-game road trip at Golden State, the Lakers, Phoenix, Sacramento and Seattle. Minnesota has dropped eight in a row on the road.