Nikola Pekovic Out with Bone Spurs

The Minnesota Timberwolves will have to fight for a playoff spot without Nikola Pekovic because of bone spurs in his right ankle. Pekovic will be out of commission until at least Friday.

Pekovic missed the final two games of the road trip and the home game at the Target Center against Denver. He will also miss Memphis and Charlotte, but hopes to return in time to greet the Celtics on Friday.

Pekovic is averaging 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds this season.

The bone spurs are a lingering result from the ankle injuries he had as a young tyke. There is the potential for surgery correcting the problem during the off season.

Teams Who Will be Hurt Most if There is No Season

If there is a loss of the 2011-2012 season, some team's futures will really be crushed. Not only do they not get to compete, but the players who were signed through that season lose that year on their contract, meaning that's one less year of Kevin Love, Rubio, etc. Their contracts don't just stall and wait for the season, the contracts act as if that season happened for 0 dollars. Obviously, this will really hurt a lot of teams, but these teams will be hurt the most specifically.

The New Jersey Nets: The Nets desperately need Deron Williams to stay with the team. How to do that? Well, he is been pretty adamant that he wants to see this team improve. How does he see this team improve if there are no games? Yeah, they'll be screwed if there is no season, he walks, and they are left with another rebuilding project.

New Orleans Hornets: Replace everything that says Deron Williams with Chris Paul

Orlando Magic: Replace everything in the Nets paragraph that says Deron Williams with Dwight Howard.

Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers: These teams are aging and if they have any shot at getting another title, they'll have to get them sooner rather than later. The Bulls, Heat, and Thunder are only going to get better so these teams really need this season to exist.

Wednesday, March 30th vs. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now with a 53-20 record. They boast possible MVP in Derek Rose, who according to Stan Van Gundy, has "already won the MVP Award." The Chicago Bulls are atop the Eastern Conference right now, 2 games ahead of the Boston Celtics and 2 1/2 games ahead of the Miami Heat. The Chicago Bulls could be making a run for the NBA Title in June and many experts would not be surprised based on their play this season. Carlos Boozer has been a huge addition to the team.

The two teams will meet tonight at 7 PM Central Time at the Target Center. Purchase your Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves tickets today!

Minnesota Timberwolves Need Finishing Touch

Same script. Minnesota Timberwolves fans are used to it this season. The team simply can't win games down the stretch. The Minnesota Timberwolves should have beat the Boston Celtics in Boston. They were winning nearly the entire game. It was a tough finish. Then, the Charlotte Bobcats erased an 8 point deficit with 2 minutes to play and won 108-105 in overtime. This, how much, we know: Kevin Love is a great player. Michael Beasley can play at an elite level. Darko is a reliable center. We need more play out of our point guard and one more dynamic shooter who can score in clutch spots. Where's Michael Jordan when you need him. With a 9-27 record as of now, we may be headed for another lottery selection.

Game 1 All Gasol and Lakers

Game 1 of the NBA Finals was dominated from start to finish by the Los Angeles Lakers. What I realized now is that the Celtics really miss James Posey from the 2008 championship team. He did a magnificent job on Kobe Bryant in those Finals and now the Celtics are forced to put Ray Allen or Paul Pierce on Bryant. As a result, Ray Allen was in foul trouble the entire game and was held to just twelve points.Another thing that I realized while watching Game 1 was that Pau Gasol is probably the 2nd best player in this series. He's so good around the basket and is one of the best passers at his position in history. That doesn't mean the Celtics still can't win this series, they are just going to have to dig deep and play together. Not only must Ray Allen stay on the floor, butRajon Rondo must play better and Pierce and Kevin Garnett have to shoot better for the Celtics to win this series. Game 2 is extremely important for the Celtics, they don't want to have to win three straight games at home. This is still a series, but Pau Gasol might make it a short one.

Lakers Celtics Preview: Rondo vs. Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will tip off the NBA Finals Thursday night at 9 ET in what should be a fabulous series. The Celtics dominated the Lakers in the 2008 Finals and it willl be interesting to see who wins this battle between the last two NBA champions. Two superstars will likely determine the outcome of this series: Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rondo. Kobe Bryant must score efficiently against the Celtics stiffling defense and carry the load. The rest of his team mates will not be able to score as easily as they were able to against the Phoenix Suns. Rajon Rondo has become a superstar during these playoffs. He is a terrific leader and makes amazing decisions with the basketball. The ball is always in his hands, he is the key to the Celtics offense. He will create for others and his play will determine the play of his teammates. If he gets into the open court, watch out. I predict the Celtics will win this series in 7. Their defense and selflessness should be able to overcome the Lakers in an amazing series.

Important Game 6's for Suns and Magic

When the Lakers and Celtics both held 2-0 leads over the Suns and Magic, everyone was already talking about a Lakers-Celtics final. Well not so fast. Although it may be looking that way, the Suns are one box out away from possibly winning Game 5 against the Lakers and leading 3-2. Both the Magic and Suns trail 3-2 in the series as the Magic are trying to become the first team to erase a 3-0 deficit in playoff history. The Suns were crushed after a heartbreaking loss last night, but I fully expect them to bounce back from that and play well in front of their home crowd on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Magic have to play their game in Boston, and that should be pretty difficult. That game will be treated with a game 7 like atmosphere, considering the Magic will go home for game 7 if they are able to win the game in Bean Town tonight. Whatever happens, I couldn't be happier that the Magic and Suns have given us a reason to watch the Conference Finals

Is Lakers Celtics in the Finals a Foregone Conclusion?

The Eastern and Western Conference series have been exciting at times. As the Suns played a miraculous 3rd quarter in which they scored 34 points to tie the score at 90 heading into the 4th quarter. Steve Nash sat for a little bit, and then the Lakers took over and won the game. The Celtics Magic series has been just been dominated by the Celtics. The Celtics have led the Magic in each game for almost the entire game. In Tuesday's game between the Celtics and Magic, the Magic led by one with one minute to go, but choked at the end of the game and showed no composure in the late periods of the game. Vince Carter likely ruined his reputation by missing two free throws at the end of the game that would have trimmed the lead to one point. The Celtics have been dominant and are clearly the better team as they have a 2-0 lead heading home. The Suns seemed to be overmatched by the Lakers size and skill. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are playing great basketball and the Suns have no answer for them. Still if the Suns even the series by winning two straight at home, it could make this a compelling series.

Target Center Tickets for Timberwolves Games

I read online that “approximately 13,000 tickets have been sold for the Timberwolves' game tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers and their NBA MVP contender, LeBron James.”

I am not sure exactly why that was newsworthy except for the fact that the ticket number is low and one can conclude that NBA support in the Twin Cities is falling at a rapid pace. Total attendance at the last Timberwolves Target Center game was: 15,336.

For the Timberwolves Boston Celtics game this year just over 19,000 Target Center tickets were punched. That is still only 80% capacity for probably the biggest game of the year.

Target Center Capacity for Basketball is 23,500. Anyone think they will even come close to selling out a game this year? By close, I mean 90% or higher. If you go to a game, leave me a comment about your thoughts on crowd size!

Kevin Garnett is coming back!

On November 21st to the Target Center with his NBA Champion team Boston Celtics. Had you going there for a second didn’t I? You thought I meant Kevin Garnett is back in a Timberwolves jersey – yeah right. Not going to happen.

Garnett Wins Championship wearing Green, not Blue

It's impossible to ignore the fact that Kevin Garnett is one of the keys to the Boston Celtics winning the NBA championship. If K.G. was still playing for the Wolves, it is doubtful that he would have gotten this far. As a loyal Timberwolves fan, I have found it painful to stay up late nights watching the NBA Championships. I feel like I am cheating on the Wolves when I watch Kevin Garnett as a Boston Celtic. In hindsight, Kevin Garnett did what he needed to do to accomplish his life long dream that would have never came true if he were still playing in the NBA defunct state of Minnesota.

Craig Smith Audio on Timberwolves Site

There is some funny Craig Smith audio on timberwolves.com It’s kind of a pain to download the mp3 file (can’t their web people reconfigure it so it plays right on the site!?), but I downloaded it – hey I am a true Minnesota Timberwolves fan! Craig Smith, aka "The Rhino," talks about working out in his hometown Santa Monica, California. The funniest thing is listening to Craig Smith talk about himself in third person – “The Rhino is working out on the beach, “The Rhino eats yogurt for breakfast…” He doesn’t do it for the entire interview, but even one reference to himself in the third person cracked me up. There is a bunch of background noise and Craig Smith confesses he is at the iPod store giving the interview –glad he is taking the off-season so seriously. Other interesting note, Craig Smith takes the Boston Celtics in 6 to win the NBA title. Hmmm…He is from California, where is his loyalty to the Los Angeles Lakers? He sounds like a NBA player scorned…He also says he would take Pierce over Bryant any day – wow.

Kevin Garnett makes the NBA Playoffs, thanks to a better managed team

Watching Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs makes you think about the past failures of the Minnesota Timberwolves organization. Let’s face it, without Kevin Garnett, the Boston Celtics are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dreadful. So that means that Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge built the Celtics into a powerhouse in one year. Kevin McHale had 12 years to get the job done and failed miserably. Chew on that, Wolves fans.

KG Makes Appearance at the Target Center

Kevin Garnett appeared for a mere minute and a half at the Target Center on Friday night as the Timberwolves hosted the Boston Celtics. KG stood and soaked in the applause from the crowd, pounding his fist over his heart several times acknowledging his Minnesota fan base. The Target Center definitely had more fans than usual for this Timberwolves season (it was standing room only – that is a definite first this year) and a lot fans were donning the green and white Garnett Celtics jersey, but I am willing to bet if we counted them all up, there were more Blue and Gray #21 Garnett Timberwolves jerseys than anything else.

After receiving the standing ovation Garnett disappeared into the locker room for the remainder of the night and did not even speak with reporters. I was having visions of a chanting crowd yelling "Kevin, Kevin, Kevin," but it never happened and the game got under way.

The Timberwolves lost to the Boston Celtics 88-86 due to a last second layup by Celtics Powe. It was the second time the Timberwolves had lost to the Celtics this season in such a close and dramatic fashion. This Timberwolves fan is glad that both NBA teams and the powers that be did the right thing by having Kevin Garnett at the game, because really what is the NBA without fans? Shouldn’t they be happy, too?

Kevin Garnett Diappointment?

There will be a lot of disappointed Timberwolves fans if Kevin Garnett doesn’t travel to the Target Center for Friday nights Timberwolves Celtics match-up. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Garnett will not play again until his health is "100 percent”, which might not be until after the NBA All-Star break.

Wolves fans were looking forward to the big game and many fans paid big bucks for tickets. I am sure this is putting a dent in local ticket brokers like Ticket King. Last night I picked up Timberwolves Rockets tickets from them for $20 each and the face was $50! The Ticket King rep said they were just looking to get rid of Timberwolves tickets this year and that they had taken a loss all year. I see the Ticket King guy is even in this Star Tribune article discussing the effects of KG not coming to Minnesota.

Timberwolves fans are bound to still love Kevin Garnett

With few victories to cheer about this season, Minnesota Timberwolves fans are looking elsewhere for reasons to be excited. One of those reasons could be the arrival of Kevin Garnett at the Target Center on February 8. Garnett will return to Minneapolis with his Boston Celtics in a showdown with his former team. The Wolves aren’t expected to compete with the streaking Celtics, who boast a sparkling record, but the return of Garnett will be sure to draw applause from fans who miss Garnett’s trademark baseline fading jumper, even if it will be against the Wolves rather than for them.

This year for the Timberwolves has been a tale of two franchises. With the trading of Kevin Garnett for basically half of the Boston Celtics’ roster, the two teams have gone in opposite directions. The Wolves, who with Garnett had two sub- .500 seasons before trading him in the off-season, gave up on the notion of winning once again with Garnett. Apparently, what Garnett needed was a change of scenery, because he has flourished with superstar teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Putting these players together was not only a good idea on paper, because the Boston Celtics are handily defeating just about everyone in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. The Celtics have only gone straight to the top of the standings with Garnett, while the Timberwolves have only gone straight to the cellar without him.

The big Boston Celtics Timberwolves match-up at the Target Center is next week!

Wolves get first winning week, Jefferson honored

The Minnesota Timberwolves might be learning how to win as a team almost 50 games into the season, but its better late than never...unless you are worried about the draft.

The Timberwolves had their first winning week of the season when they beat Golden State, Phoenix Suns and New Jersey Nets while losing to Boston Celtics in last weeks matchups. Now the Wolves will take on the Chicago Bulls and Clippers in upcoming games.

During the three out of four stretch, Al Jefferson averaged 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, good enough to earn Western Conference Player of the Week. It was Jefferson’s second time winning a Player of the Week award, and his first time with the Timberwolves. Now if the Timberwolves can win a few games on this upcoming homestand, they will ensure avoiding the worst 82-game season record. The Timberwolves are starting to beat teams, get your Minnesota Timberwolves tickets now.

Timberwolves Attendance Low

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been averaging 14,219 fans at Target Center games this season. The under 15 number ranks 24th in NBA attendance (out of 30 teams.) It is tough to encourage Minnesota basketball fans to brave the weather elements to see a team that can’t seem to win a game (sans the Phoenix Suns fluke) in a dated arena.

The Timberwolves did sell out the home opener vs. the Denver Nuggets and they hope to sell out the February 8th Boston Celtics game, but it isn’t sold out yet and the marketing team has bundled the Boston Celtics ticket with two other games. So if you want to see Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics at the Target Center you also have to buy tickets for January 6th against Dallas Mavericks and January 23 against Phoenix Suns – all three of those games would be fun, but if you want to buy just a single ticket to the Wolves Celtics game, you have to go through brokers like Timberwolves Tickets .com. I am glad I am not responsible for selling Timberwolves tickets this year!

Affordable Timberwolves Tickets

It is a good year to be a Minnesota Timberwolves fan. If you happen to be one of the 100 loyal fans that still care about my favorite NBA team, you are in luck. The prices on Minnesota Timberwolves Tickets have really dropped this year. You can buy Timberwolves NBA Tickets from Ticket King for less than face value for most of the Minnesota Timberwolves games. So, if you don't have to see the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat or the Cleveland Cavaliers, all you have to do to get great seats at great prices is check out Ticket King. If you buy, please tell them that I sent you so maybe they will give me a deal on a couple of Timberwolves Tickets to the Celtics game on February 8th. GO WOLVES!!!

What to Expect from the TWolves

It’s so hard to tell what this new Timberwolves team is going to look like in the 2007-08 NBA season. With franchise cornerstone Kevin Garnett gone, will the team have the leadership they need to win games or will they make too many rookie mistakes? With a young team, the Timberwolves should have enough energy to play hard all the way to the final buzzer, but will that be enough? Timberwolves fans should be intrigued and if the team can win a few games early, the fair weather fans might buy more Timberwolves tickets than you might think. The key games will still sell out fast especially the game vs. the Boston Celtics on February 8th at the Target Center Minneapolis. The cheap seats are going for $100 a ticket, but for the Los Angeles Clippers game the Friday before, you can get in for around $40 a ticket. I guess KG is still “The Big Ticket” in Minneapolis even if he isn’t wearing a blue jersey.