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Artest returns as Kings face winless Timberwolves

Nov 14, 2007 - 2:18 PM Sacramento (2-5) at Minnesota (0-5) 8:00 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Maybe the return of forward Ron Artest can help turn the fortunes of the struggling Sacramento Kings.

Artest makes his season-debut when the Kings face the winless Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Artest was suspended for the first seven games of the season after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge stemming from a March 5 dispute with his wife. He averaged 18.8 points in 70 games last season.

The Kings, who have dropped all three of their road games, are coming off a 117-93 thrashing at Utah on Monday. John Salmons scored 22 points and Kevin Martin scored 21 for Sacramento, which was down by 17 after one quarter and 23.

Martin did score 29 points to lead the Kings to a 100-93 win vs. the Timberwolves on Saturday, sending the Timberwolves to their fifth straight loss.

Al Jefferson scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and reserve Rashad McCants scored 16 for Minnesota, which has won 10 of its past 15 vs. Sacramento.

Jefferson, who was the main piece for the Timberwolves in the Kevin Garnett trade with Boston in July, has a double-double in all five games.

The teams split their four games last season.