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Nuggets-Timberwolves Preview

Nov 25, 2009 - 7:16 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Denver (10-4) at Minnesota (1-13), 8:00 p.m. EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven't won since their first game of the season. Facing the Denver Nuggets likely won't improve their chances of changing that.

The lowly Timberwolves look to avoid a 14th straight loss while trying to prevent a 10th consecutive defeat to the visiting Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Rookie Jonny Flynn scored 17 points and Al Jefferson added 13 with 13 rebounds, but Minnesota (1-13) lost 91-87 on the road to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

Growing more frustrated with each loss, the Timberwolves haven't won since beating winless New Jersey 95-93 on Oct. 28. They've matched the worst 14-game start in the franchise's 21-year history (1993-94) and are three losses away from equaling a franchise-record 16-game losing streak set in 1991-92.

One reason for the Timberwolves struggles has been their play on the offensive end. Minnesota ranks near the bottom of league averaging 88.6 points per game while shooting 42.7 percent. They're averaging 82.8 points on 41.8 percent in their last six games since losing 146-105 at Golden State on Nov. 9.

"We play as individuals and not as a whole team, and that's when we get into trouble," first-year Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis said. "We are working on that, and I have faith that this young team will get better and win these games."

Flynn broke out a bit after being held to 18 points combined in his previous two contests. Jefferson posted his third straight double-double since missing two games to attend to a family matter.

Jefferson is averaging 17.7 points and 11 boards in those three contests, and 20.6 with 13.5 rebounds in his last nine against Denver.

While Rambis is confident his team can turn things around, it might not happen against the Nuggets (10-4), who've won two in a row and four of five after a 101-87 victory over the lowly Nets on Tuesday for their 16th straight regular-season home win.

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points to remain the only player in the league to score at least 20 in every game this season.

Averaging a league-leading 30.2 points per contest, Anthony could be in for another big night against another of the NBA's weaker clubs. Anthony is averaging 28.4 points in his last 14 games against Minnesota, which is allowing 107.9 points during its nine-game skid against Denver.

Anthony had 45 points and 11 rebounds in a 116-105 victory over the Timberwolves on Dec. 10.

Denver likely learned something by avoiding a letdown against a team like New Jersey, which is desperate for a victory. The Nuggets must once again avoid slipping in a similar situation against Minnesota.

"You don't want to be their first win. ... That can be a confidence-breaker right there," Anthony said of getting by the Nets.

The Timberwolves won 99-94 at home on Feb. 14, 2007, for their last victory over Denver. The Nuggets have won four in a row at the Target Center.