Minnesota @ Brooklyn preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 28, 2017 ) Brooklyn 109, Minnesota 129

It took some time for Jimmy Butler to get comfortable with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded to the team during the offseason, but the veteran swingman is proving to be the catalyst for the franchise's turnaround. Butler will try to stay hot as the Timberwolves seek their eighth win in nine games with a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

After averaging 16.2 points in October and 17.9 in November, Butler put up 26.5 on 50.6 percent shooting last month and opened 2018 with another outstanding performance, posting 28 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a 114-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. "Our execution recently has been great," Butler told reporters. "We're scoring baskets, but also executing on defense. We're in the right place, in the right coverages." The Marquette product averaged 30 points and 7.3 boards in four games last season against the Nets, who opened a five-game homestand on Monday with a 98-95 win over Orlando. Rookie Jarrett Allen led a balanced attack with a season-high 16 points for Brooklyn.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-14): Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his NBA-leading 30th double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds against the Lakers while Andrew Wiggins collected 21 points as the two young stars continue to develop alongside Butler. "Guys are cutting a lot better now. They know if they're open Jimmy will find them," coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "I think (Towns) is starting to see things. He's making a lot of great plays. Wigs is starting to see things and that's great for our team." Point guard Jeff Teague remains sidelined with a knee injury and fill-in Tyus Jones is averaging 5.3 assists and 3.3 steals in three straight starts.

ABOUT THE NETS (14-23): Center Jahlil Okafor could return to action Wednesday after sitting out the previous nine games to get adjusted to Brooklyn's system following a trade from Philadelphia last month. "He's been doing a phenomenal job getting ready physically with our assistant coaches, learning what we're doing," coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters Monday. "So collectively we feel that he's ready to get some minutes." The former No. 3 pick by the 76ers has seen action in just three games this season, scoring 10 points in 23 minutes in his lone appearance with the Nets.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves F Taj Gibson is averaging 17.2 points - more than five over his average for the season - on 74.5 percent shooting over the last five contests.

2. Nets G Caris LeVert averages 4.2 assists for the season but recorded at least seven in each of his last four outings.

3. Towns averaged 29 points and 10 boards as the teams split two meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 114, Nets 108