Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have signed 6'7 210 32-year old free agent small forward Josh Howard to a 1-year contract. The Wolves have been decimated with injuries early this season playing with just 9 healthy players Wednesday night. Howard averaged 9 points and 4 rebounds a game playing for Utah in 2011-2012. Howard has averaged 14.5 points a game in his NBA career.

Kemba Walker made the game-winning 20-foot jump shot with a hand in his face with .7 seconds left to lift Charlotte over Minnesota 89-87 at Target Center Wednesday night. Minnesota trailed by 14 in the 4th quarter before Derrick Williams made a free throw with just seconds left to tie the game at 87. Walker led the Bobcats with 22 points.

Timberwolves guard/forward Chase Budinger had successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. Budinger sustained the injury Saturday in a loss at Chicago. Budinger was averaging 11.8 points a game for the Wolves this season.

The Timberwolves won 90-82 at Dallas Monday night despite dressing just 10 players. Nikola Pekovic scored 20 points and had 6 rebounds before leaving the game in the 3rd quarter after turning his left ankle while stepping on the foot of Vince Carter of Dallas. Pekovic left the game and did not return. Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved each had 16 points with Kirilenko added 11 rebounds.

Timberwolves guard/forward Chase Budinger is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Budinger suffered the injury at Chicago Saturday night. Budinger scored the game-winning layup on a brilliant feed from Andrei Kirilenko Friday night. Budinger is averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds a game this season.

The Timberwolves lost 87-80 at Chicago against the Bulls Satrday night to fall to 4-2 on the season. Minnesota was led by Nikola Pekovic with 18 points and Andrei Kirilenko had 11 points, 12 rebonds and 7 assists. Chase Budinger had 9 points before leaving with a knee injury.

The Timberwolves defeated Indiana 96-94 Friday night when Chase Budinger scored the go-ahead basket on a layup assisted by Andrei Kirilenko. Budinger led the Wolves with 18 points and Derrick Williams added 15 points. The Wolves trailed by 1 point halftime but led by 5 after 3 quarters.

The Timberwolves won 90-75 at home against Orlando Wednesday night to improve to 3-1. Minnesota led 38-34 at halftime and blew the game out in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Luke Ridnour led the Wolves with 19 points, Derrick Williams added 14 points and Greg Stiemsma added 12 points and 5 rebounds for Minnesota. Brandon Roy had 3 points and 9 assists in 26 minutes for the Wolves.

The Timberwolves host Orlando at 7:00 tonight, pregame on WJON at 6:30. Minnesota is 2-1 after coming from behind to win at Brooklyn Monday night. Orlando is 2-1 but is coming off a 99-93 loss at Chicago Tuesday night. Arron Afflalo led the Magic with 28 points. Orlando is playing without guard Jameer Nelson and forward Hedo Turkolu.

The Timberwolves rallied to beat Brooklyn in Brooklyn 107-96 Monday night. The Wolves trailed by 22 but outscored the Nets 32-10 in the 4th quarter to sneak out the win. Alexey Shved made 2 3-pointers and made the go-ahead basket with 2:38 left to lift the Wolves to the win. Chase Budinger made a 3-point basket with :38 left that helped seal the win.