When: 3:30 p.m., Target Center, Minneapolis.
Broadcast: TV ? None. Radio ? WIOD (610-AM), WACC (830-AM, Spanish)
About the Heat: After Friday's wild overtime win over the Bucks, the Heat won its sixth extra-session games (6-2 overall) this season, matching a franchise high set last season. Although the T'Wolves are 21-4 at home, the Heat has fared well in Minneapolis, going 6-6 all time and has won seven of its last nine on the road. In their only other meeting this season, an 80-73 loss at home on Nov. 20, Alonzo Mourning was out and G Eddie House scored a season-high 17 points. House is doubtful with a strained knee. PF Brian Grant is averaging 12.3 points and 10 rebounds over the past eight games. Expect plenty of 7-1 Vladimir Stepania to help counter Minnesota's huge front line of Kevin Garnett (6-11), Joe Smith (6-10) and Rasho Nesterovic (7-0). C Ernest Brown (thumb), G Carter (recovering from hernia surgery), F Malik Allen (right knee tendinits) are on the injured list.
About the Timberwolves: The Timberwolves, coming off only their fourth home loss of the season Friday, a 99-98 defeat against the lowly Nuggets, are hopeful that PG Chauncey Billups can fill the shoes of injured PG Terrell Brandon, who is out for the season. Brandon was ranked seventh in the NBA with 8.3 assists per game and first in free-throw percentage (98.8). Minnesota ranks third in points (101.4), while the Heat is 28th at 86.4. However, Miami is No. 1 in least points allowed (88.6). In the Wolves' win over the Heat, Garnett, who averages 21.4 points and 11.8 rebounds (and leads all forwards with 5.8 assists per game), scored just 10 points. G Wally Szczerbiak is shooting 51 percent from the field and 46.3 percent from 3-point land. The Wolves, losers of seven of their last 11 games, are the best shooting team in the league at 46.3 percent but their zone defense is not surprising teams anymore. They also are ranked No. 1 in assists and steals per game. G Brandon (fractured left femur), G Maurice Evans (left knee tendinits) are on the injured list, while F Gary Trent (strained hamstring) is doubtful.



