6 p.m. today at Toronto • No TV or radio
• Veteran Mike Miller practiced Wednesday after missing Tuesday’s game because of a sprained ankle and he’s expected to play tonight. Veteran center Calvin Booth could see his first playing time of the preseason as well.
• Brian Cardinal and newly signed David Harrison both remain out because of calf injuries. Guard Blake Ahearn, competing for the third point-guard position, was poked in the eye for the second time in 11 days, but he should be available tonight.
Ollie is competing for the job of third point guard, which takes on added importance with Sebastian Telfair suspended for the first three games of the regular season by the NBA.
Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune on last night’s preseason win in Chicago:
More than anything, though, it might have been Corey Brewer’s energy that changed everything. The guy is playing himself into a groove. Tonight, that included another three-pointer (six in preseason play compared to seven all last regular season), 15 points on 5 for 11 shooting, nine rebounds (all but one on the defensive end), a steal and blocked shot. He and Rodney Carney joined together to provide the second-quarter defensive pulse the team was completely missing in the opening quarter…
One very memorable moment: Craig Smith showing his once-swollen knee was all better with a thunderous dunk over Tyrus Thomas and Andres Nocioni in the fourth quarter. So inspired by the dunk and the spring in his knee, Smith shouted at the United Center rafters in a primal scream sort of like a former Timberwolf once did.
For Richard, he hopes the opportunity comes sooner rather than later… Soon, as in this season. Richard spent countless hours in the gym this summer; working with Assistant General Manager Fred Hoiberg among others to improve and gain some much needed confidence. Richard says that his tireless work this summer is starting to pay off. “I was here with the coaches and some of the older guys almost every day learning,” said Richard. “They’ve all really helped me to grasp the concepts and what to look out for.”
WEBC-AM “The Fan” 560, the radio home of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, welcomes the Timberwolves radio broadcast team of Alan Horton and Kevin Lynch to Duluth for a promotional appearance Thursday.