(Best E Casino) - The
Boston Celtics and
Minnesota Timberwolves meet for the second and final time this season, as they square off at the Target Center.
On January 25th, Kevin Garnett came back from an apparent injury late in the fourth quarter to make a crucial defensive stop, lifting Boston over Minnesota, 87-86, at TD Banknorth Garden.
It was Garnett's first game against the Timberwolves since they traded him to the Celtics in a blockbuster deal prior to this season. Garnett was an MVP and 10-time All-Star over 12 years with Minnesota.
Garnett is currently sidelined with an abdominal strain. He has missed five straight games and last played in the win over the Timberwolves. The 6-11 Garnett is averaging 19.2 points and a team-best 9.9 rebounds in 41 games this season for the Celtics, who are 3-2 without Garnett in the lineup.
Rajon Rondo led a balanced Boston attack with a career-high 24 points, as the Celtics recovered from a narrow loss to Cleveland Tuesday night to hold off the Los Angeles Clippers, 111-100, on Wednesday at TD Banknorth Garden.
Ray Allen had 19 points and Paul Pierce netted 15, while Tony Allen contributed 17 and keyed an early fourth-quarter spurt that gave Boston some breathing room on the way to its third win in the last four games overall.
The Celtics are 16-5 on the road this season. They will host Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at TD Banknorth Garden.
Minnesota plays the fourth of a five-game homestand on Friday, and is 2-1 on the current stand. On Monday, Tracy McGrady finished with a team-high 26 points and hit two crucial buckets in the waning moments as Houston defeated the Timberwolves, 92-86, at the Target Center.
Al Jefferson finished with 33 points and 16 rebounds in the loss for Minnesota, which was seeking its first three-game winning streak of the season. Rashad McCants had 15 points in defeat.
The Timberwolves are 8-15 at home this season. They will host Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors on Sunday in the finale of the homestand.
Boston has dropped two in a row after winning its last five at Minnesota.
