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Timberwolves take aim at two wins in a row

Jan 29, 2008 - 2:38 PM Minnesota (8-35) at Chicago (17-26) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Minnesota Timberwolves have not had much to cheer about this season as the franchise rebuilds. But four wins in five games would certainly be an accomplishment.

The Timberwolves will look to put together their second two-game winning streak of the season when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.

Minnesota owns the worst record in the NBA, but recently its young players have begun to show some improvement, especially forward Al Jefferson. The 6-10 bruiser was the main piece coming back to the Twin Cities in the Kevin Garnett trade over the summer, and was quickly signed to an extension by the club.

That investment is proving to be a savvy one, as Jefferson is one of only five players in the NBA averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He went off for a career-high 40 points and added 19 rebounds on Sunday against New Jersey, including four free throws in the final 11 seconds to seal the 98-95 win.

The Timberwolves lone setback in the past week was an 87-86 loss at Boston on Friday in which the Celtics needed a game-saving steal in the final seconds from Garnett in order to come away winners.

The Bulls have been down this season as well, and unlike Minnesota, they have shown very little spark recently. Chicago has lost its last two games while managing just 77 points in each.

The Bulls rank last in the NBA in field goal percentage, shooting at a 42.1 percent clip this season, and have yet to find a reliable scoring option in the low post.

Minnesota won both meetings between the teams last season.