When: Today, 5 p.m. Where: Target Center, Minneapolis.

TV: KONG. Radio: KJR (950 AM).

Records: Sonics 18-16; Timberwolves 24-9.

P SONICS Ht. Ppg. R/A
C Vin Baker  6-11 16.0 6.8R
F Rashard Lewis 6-10 16.2 7.5R
F Art Long  6-9 5.0 4.4R
G Brent Barry  6-6 13.4 5.7R
G Gary Payton 6-4 22.5 9.0A
P T-WOLVES Ht. Ppg. R/A
C Rasho Nesterovic  7-0  9.2 6.1R
F Gary Trent 6-8 7.4 4.8R
F Kevin Garnett 6-11 21.0 12.7R
G Wally Szczerbiak 6-7 19.4 5.4R
G Chauncey Billups 6-3 9.9 4.5A


Notes: The Timberwolves have remained one of the top teams in the NBA despite losing two starters to injuries: power forward Joe Smith (bruised left calf) and point guard Terrell Brandon (left knee). Smith has been replaced by Gary Trent, while Chauncey Billups has filled in at point guard. Smith is questionable for tonight after missing Minnesota's previous five games. Brandon is expected to miss another three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Billups has been playing the best ball of his career, averaging 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 rebounds as a starter.

Injuries: Sonics ? C Calvin Booth (sprained right ankle) is on the injured list. Timberwolves ? F Maurice Evans (tendinitis, left knee) and G Brandon are on the injured list.