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With new coach, Timberwolves face Trail Blazers

Jan 24, 2007 - 5:27 PM Minnesota (20-20) at Portland (17-25) 10:00 pm EST

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) - The Minnesota Timberwolves play their first game under new coach Randy Wittman on Wednesday night when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.

On Tuesday, Dwane Casey was fired as coach after just 1 1/2 season. He had a 53-69 record.

The Timberwolves have been inconsistent this season with eight winning and losing streaks of at least three games. They have lost four in a row following a three-game winning streak.

Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale is hoping that Wittman, who has previous head coaching experience, can provide the spark the Wolves need.

Wittman played 543 games before working as an assistant with Indiana (1992-93), Dallas (1993-94) and Minnesota (1994-99).

In 1999, Wittman became coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and went 62-102 in two seasons. He returned to the Timberwolves after being fired by the Cavaliers and spent four seasons as an assistant with Minnesota before spending last season as an assistant with Orlando.

This is the opener of a five-game road trip for the Timberwolves, who are 8-12 away from home.

The Trail Blazers have won two of three and come off a 99-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Rookie Brandon Roy, who is averaging 14.7 points per game, led Portland with a season-high 28 points.