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Wizards vs. Timberwolves Preview: Wizards looking for their first home victory of the season

After losing the home opener against the Rockets, the Wizards look to pick up their first home victory against the short-handed Timberwolves.

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Game Info

When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

How to watch: NBC Sports Washington

Injury Report

Wizards: C.J. Miles (Day-to-Day), Jordan McRae (finger)

Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns (suspension)

Pregame notes

Can the Wizards take advantage of Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence?

If you haven’t heard already, the Timberwolves leading scorer and All-star Center Karl-Anthony Towns was involved in a scuffle the other night in Philadelphia that has resulted in a two game suspension. He will serve the first game of that suspension on Saturday night.

Timberwolves have gotten off to a quick 3-1 start, with the game against the Sixers being their only loss. Can the Wizards find a way to take advantage of KAT’s absence? Wolves will likely look for Andrew Wiggins to pick up the slack.

Defense.......please?

The Wizards are coming off an exciting, yet high scoring loss against the Rockets in their home opener on Wednesday. Although the Wizards were in control for a large portion of the game, the idea that you can score 158 points and still lose has to be a little unsettling.

The Wizards have played with great energy on both sides of the floor so far this season, but unfortunately it has not resulted in much results on the defensive end. The Wizards currently rank in the bottom fourth in the league in points allowed. Defense is certainly a major concern for this team coming into the season, but in order to have a chance against the Wolves, they will need to show some progress on that end of the floor.

Flashback: Antwan Jamison’s and Caron Butler’s Big Night Lead Wizards over Timberwolves

With Gilbert Arenas sidelined, Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler were tasked to salvage the Wizards’ season and lead the Wizards to the playoffs, despite not having their star point guard.

On December 11, 2007, Jamison despite struggling from the field was able to contribute 22 points, while “Tuff Juice” Caron Butler added 20 points, as the Wizards knocked off the Wolves 102-88 in DC. The victory marked the first time the Wizards were over the .500 mark for that season at 11-10.