The New Jersey Nets three-headed monster of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson will bring their high-flying act to the Target Center Saturday night. In a horrendous Atlantic Division, the Nets are in second place with a 16-19 record.
Minnesota, coming off a win in Memphis, will be playing the second half of a back to back. Losing their last home game by one point, with Kevin Garnett missing the potential game-winning shot, should have the Wolves motivated both to start another winning streak as well as protecting home court.
Due to the length of Carter, Jefferson and even Kidd, this will be a game where Marko Jaric could be quite valuable to the Wolves. Leaving the Clipper game with a thumb injury and not playing against the Grizzlies, Jaric’s status against the Nets is in question. Hopefully, he will be able to suit up.
Another key will be transition defense. Jason Kidd is among the all-time best point guards at running the fast break to perfection and his job is easy on most nights, making lob passes to either Jefferson of Vinsanity, Vince Carter, for Sportscenter dunks. If the Wolves are using cross-matches on defense, they will need to be sure to communicate effectively in transition as to who is covering whom.
Ricky Davis will be needed to build off his great game against Memphis and to play great defense, whether matched up with Carter or Jefferson.
Minnesota should also be looking for a little dose of payback, losing to New Jersey earlier in the season. It can almost be guaranteed that Mikki Moore will not have the same impact on this game as he did on the last…Kevin Garnett will make sure of that.
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