Forward Joe Smith and guard Terrell Brandon took steps Monday toward returning to the Timberwolves' lineup. Both players went through a full-contact, 1 1/2-hour practice for the first time in several weeks.
"I thought they both moved very well," coach Flip Saunders said. "The biggest thing is we'll have to see how they react. I would say Joe is definitely ahead of T.B. just because T.B. is coming off surgery."

Saunders said Smith is questionable for tonight's game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Target Center. Smith has missed the past eight games because of a bruised left calf, suffered Dec. 28 against Sacramento.