Minnesota @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 12, 2018 ) New York 108, Minnesota 118

The Minnesota Timberwolves are already feeling the playoff intensity, even though their spot has yet to be secured. After picking up a critical victory against one of their chief competitors in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves head back onto the road for a two-game trip beginning with a visit to the New York Knicks on Friday.

Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 60th double-double with 30 points and 9 rebounds and Andrew Wiggins finished with 27 points as Minnesota topped the Los Angeles Clippers 123-109 on Tuesday, and it entered Thursday in seventh place in the crowded West race. "It's just desperation," Wiggins told reporters of the team's mindset against the Clippers, who are in 10th and 2 1/2 games back of the Timberwolves. "We know that we needed this game. They're right behind us." The matchup with Los Angeles began a closing stretch in which Minnesota plays 10 of its final 11 games against teams with a worse record. The Knicks more than qualify and are coming off a 21-point loss at Miami on Wednesday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (41-31): Minnesota is 5-5 since losing All-Star Jimmy Butler to a knee injury, and Wiggins has scored at least 21 points in eight of those contests as he steps up his game. "If you want to go to the playoffs, you've got to grow up. Plain and simple. He's been doing a good job," veteran Taj Gibson told reporters of Wiggins, who made 4-of-5 3-pointers against the Clippers and is hitting 48.4 percent from long range this month. Derrick Rose, who has 23 points in 26 minutes over his last two games, sprained his ankle in Tuesday's game and is considered questionable for this one.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (26-46): New York is analyzing the play of its many young guards as the season winds down and Trey Burke has emerged from the pack of late. The Michigan product finished with 16 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Miami and is averaging 14.2 points in 21.2 minutes over his last five games while making 10-of-20 3-pointers. Veteran Michael Beasley seems committed to finishing strong and has topped the 20-point mark in three of the past five contests after recording 22 on 10-of-15 against the Heat.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves PG Jeff Teague is averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 assists and five rebounds over his last two games.

2. Knicks C Enes Kanter has a double-double in six of nine games this month.

3. Towns had 23 points and 15 rebounds in a 118-108 home win over the Knicks on Jan. 12.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 113, Knicks 105