Timberwolves Preview: Wolves travel to Houston

Feb 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13)backs into Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 113 to 102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Wiggins: Wiggins has played a LOT of minutes lately. He’s played 49 minutes in two consecutive games and is averaging over 42 minutes played in his last five games. While he’s still producing, you’d have to think that at some point Flip Saunders gives him a bit of a breather. Regardless, I’ll be intrigued to see how Wiggins holds up playing all these minutes while trying to defend James Harden.

Dwight Howard vs. Wolves Frontcourt: Howard is undoubtedly one of the most forceful big men in the league when healthy. Nikola Pekovic is probably the only guy the Wolves have that could matchup with his strength, but he’ll be out. It will be a challenge for Dieng, Payne, and Hamilton to hold their own in the paint with Howard battling against them.

Chase Budinger: Budinger will be playing his former team in this game. He’ll look to continue his elevated level of play in tonight’s contest in which it appears he will be playing just as many minutes as he has been. He made some big plays down the stretch in their last game against the Lakers, and look for him to be a part of the Wolves’ plans in possible late-game situations.

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