Every time Chauncey Billups goes down in a heap the way he did Friday night in a tangle with San Antonio's Bruce Bowen -- heck, every time Billups steps off a curb at a busy intersection -- the Timberwolves hold their collective breath.

With starter Terrell Brandon done for the season and backups William Avery and Felipe Lopez lacking experience, among other attributes, at the point guard position, a healthy Billups might be the only thing standing between a serious playoff run and postseason heartbreak.

That's what makes the Greg Anthony watch so compelling. Anthony, in his 11th season, was waived by Chicago on Friday and could clear waivers as soon as this afternoon. If he does, he would be free to sign with the team of his choice. Because he was cut loose by March 1, he would be eligible for postseason play with the team that signs him.

Anthony started 35 games for the Bulls, averaging 8.4 points and 5.6 assists. He suffered a partially torn Achilles' tendon in January that limited his minutes, and as the Feb. 21 trading deadline approached, he expressed interest in a purported deal to the Wolves.