Minnesota @ Phoenix preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 24, 2017 ) Minnesota 112, Phoenix 111

The Minnesota Timberwolves have already proven they are capable of making noise in the Western Conference, but their last outing was a reminder of how much more progress they need to make in order to be considered a serious contender. The Timberwolves attempt to rebound from their most lopsided defeat of the season Saturday when they visit the Phoenix Suns.

Minnesota won seven of its first 10 contests - its best 10-game start since going 9-1 in 2001-02 - and took its first five-game winning streak since the 2008-09 season into Golden State on Wednesday, but an 18-4 third-quarter run proved to be its undoing in a 125-101 loss to the Warriors. “We got humbled … that’s the kind of level we want to get to, the way they’re playing over there,” Timberwolves forward Taj Gibson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The Northwest Division leaders will go from facing the league's highest-scoring team to its second-worst defense in the Suns, who are 0-3 on their six-game homestand and have lost five in a row overall. Phoenix dropped a 128-112 decision at home against Orlando on Friday, surrendering at least 120 points for the third time during its skid.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN North Plus (Minnesota), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (7-4): Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague were outscored by Warriors' backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson 60-25 on Wednesday, and it sounds as if Butler doesn't intend on letting that happen again anytime soon. "I just know what I can bring to the table in all aspects of the game. I know the reasons they wanted me here and a big part of it is scoring, closing out games, guarding, getting everyone involved. So I'll be a new player from here on out," Butler told the Star-Tribune. After shooting a combined 38.8 percent from the field over his previous six outings, Andrew Wiggins is converting 57.5 percent of his field-goal attempts over the least three games.

ABOUT THE SUNS (4-9): First-round pick Josh Jackson gave Phoenix what it hopes becomes a regular occurrence in Friday's loss, going 9-of-18 from the field for a season-high 18 points and tying another personal best with six rebounds while playing only 22 minutes. Alex Len managed to stay out of foul trouble against Orlando for one of the first times this season and finished with season highs in points (21) and minutes (40) while also corralling 13 rebounds. Mike James continued to be one of the Suns' few bright spots during their losing streak, posting his third straight game with at least 16 points and two 3-pointers; the 27-year-old Lamar product is averaging 14 points over his last seven outings despite a two-point effort on Nov. 3.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wednesday's setback was only the second time in nine games the Timberwolves lost with Butler on the court.

2. Len's two blocked shots Friday allowed him to pass Clifford Robinson (292) for sole possession of 10th place on the Suns' all-time blocks list.

3. Teague handed out only five assists against the Warriors after averaging 10.4 during Minnesota's five-game winning streak.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 121, Suns 98