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Allen expected back as Sonics visit Timberwolves

Dec 29, 2006 - 3:39 PM Seattle (12-18) at Minnesota (12-14) 8:00 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Without Ray Allen, the Seattle SuperSonics are a totally different team.

The SuperSonics aim to end a seven-game road skid Friday when Allen returns to the lineup for their matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Seattle's leading scorer at 25.2 points per game, Allen missed Thursday's loss to Denver due to attend the birth of his child. The star sharpshooter also missed eight games earlier this month with a sprained ankle, and the Sonics are just 3-7 without him.

Allen's absence comes at an especially bad time with second-leading scorer Rashard Lewis out at least eight weeks with a hand injury.

Damien Wilkins scored 26 points in the Sonics' 112-98 loss at Denver on Thursday. After a six-game losing streak, Seattle had won two straight before dropping Thursday's contest.

Kevin Garnett had 24 points and nine rebounds and Mike James added 20 points for the Timberwolves, who suffered a last-second 100-97 loss at Toronto on Wednesday.

The Timberwolves have won 12 of their last 15 meetings with Seattle at home.