OAKLAND – In attempting to extend their win streak to four Monday night, the Warriors confront a more dangerous pack of Timberwolves than they defeated last month.
They'll have reinforcements, though, as Draymond Green will rejoin the starting lineup after a three-week absence.
Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 6 p.m. with Warriors Outsiders, followed by Warriors Pregame Live at 6:30. Tipoff at Oracle Arena is scheduled for 7:40.
The Warriors (18-9) relied on tight fourth-quarter defense to come back for a 116-99 victory, their seventh straight, over Minnesota on Nov. 2 at Oracle. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 83 points in leading the Warriors to their 20th win in 24 games against the Timberwolves.
Those Timberwolves, however, were in the grip of dissension brought on by Jimmy Butler’s public demand to be traded. They were 4-9 when he was traded on Nov. 12.
Minnesota has turned things completely around, and is 9-4 since acquiring forwards Robert Covington and Dario Saric from the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal for Butler.
Projected Lineups
News
Warriors
PG - Stephen Curry
SG - Klay Thompson
SF - Kevin Durant
PF - Draymond Green
C - Kevon Looney
Timberwolves
PG – Jeff Teague
SG – Andrew Wiggins
SF – Robert Covington
PF – Taj Gibson
C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Injury Report
Warriors: Center DeMarcus Cousins (left Achilles’ tendon surgery rehab) is on assignment with G League Santa Cruz. Center Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) is listed as out.
Timberwolves: Covington (right knee soreness) is listed as probable, and likely will start. Guard Jerryd Bayless (left knee sprain) is listed as out.
Rotation Outlook
Warriors: Green’s return after an 11-game absence likely will require some adjustment. That could result in some turnovers, especially early. Though he’s not on a minutes restriction, his court time will be closely monitored. ... This also allows the bench to regain the status it had opening night, meaning Andre Iguodala returns to his Sixth Man role, to be followed by Shaun Livingston, Jonas Jerebko, Alfonzo McKinnie, Jordan Bell and perhaps Quinn Cook. Key battle for the Warriors is at center, where Looney and his reinforcements must deal with Towns.
Timberwolves:If the Wolves decide to give Covington another night off, expect Wiggins to move to small forward with Derrick Rose entering the starting lineup. ... Coach Tom Thibodeaux is known to push his starters pretty hard – Rose played 37 minutes Saturday in Portland – which can result in a short bench. The only reserves receiving consistent playing time are Saric, big man Gorgui Dieng and rookie guard Josh Okogie. ... Key battle for the T-Wolves is at small forward. Covington is a terrific defender who will be assigned to Durant. If Covington can’t go, that could open the door for a Durant explosion.