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Raptors look to remain in first place vs. Timberwolves

Dec 27, 2006 - 4:44 PM Minnesota (12-13) at Toronto (12-16) 7:00 pm EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Despite their poor record, the Toronto Raptors surprisingly are acting like a first-place team.

The Raptors aim for their sixth win in seven home games when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Toronto is atop the Atlantic Division for the first time since November 25, 2003, when they were also a sub-.500 squad at 6-7. After dropping eight of their first 10 games this season, the Raptors have gone 10-8, winning close games and defending their home court.

The Raptors, who have finished with a winning record just three times in their 11-year existence, are 7-3 this season at home, where they will play five of their next six contests.

Toronto returns home after going 2-2 in its four-game Western road trip. In the final game of the jaunt, the Raptors dropped a 110-97 decision at Seattle. T.J. Ford had 24 points and nine assists in the losing effort.

Rookie Randy Foye scored a season-high 25 points, including the go-ahead runner with 1.8 seconds remaining, as the Timberwolves escaped with a 100-98 victory over Chicago on Tuesday.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 14 rebounds for Minnesota, which squandered a 25-point third-quarter lead before emerging with its second straight win.

The Timberwolves have lost the last four contests against Toronto.