Timberwolves Vs. Trailblazers: Minnesota Falls 119-106

Defensively, the Minnesota Timberwolves could not get the stops it needed to get. As a result, their playoff hopes were dealt a serious blow Sunday night as they dropped a costly road game at the Portland Trailblazers 119-106. The loss was a second straight for Minnesota, and third in their last four as they are attempting to make a push for the postseason.

Kevin Love delivered once again with 26 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, but a poor night shooting coupled with a hot night for Portland led Minnesota to defeat. Derrick Williams and Luke Ridnour each had 21 for Minnesota as well, but LaMArcus Aldridge had 16 points and eight rebounds for Portland.

Nicolas Batum also had 24 points for the Trailblazers.

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Timberwolves Vs. Trailblazers: Minnesota trails 57-50 At Halftime

The Minnesota Timberwolves are clinging to their hopes for a playoff spots, but so far they are struggling in Portland as they search for a win. The Trailblazers have pulled in front 57-50 despite 18 points from Kevin Love. The Trailblazers have shot 51.2% from the field, and Lamarcus Aldridge has 14 points.

Derrick Williams has 11 points for Minnesota, but the Timberwolves have struggled to shoot the basketball, hitting only 40% from the field. Wayne Ellington has provided a nice boost off the bench with seven points so far. Love has been stellar for Minnesota, with five rebounds and three assists as he continues to drive Minnesota's game.

Unfortunately, Minnesota has struggled on the glass, as Portland holds a 23-19 edge on the glass.

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Timberwolves Vs. Trail Blazers Injury Update: J.J. Barea, Michael Beasley Inactive, Pekovic Could Play

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without two integral pieces over the next two days, as guard J.J. Barea and forward Michael Beasley each did not make the brief road trip due to separate injuries.

Barea, who has a thigh contusion with a good amount of swelling, hopes to make a mid-week return against Golden State on Wednesday, while Beasley (sprained toe) is expected back in the lineup shortly after the brief two-game road trip.

Despite not having its usual lineup on the floor for Sunday's game, goods news for Minnesota is that injured center Nikola Pekovic did make the trip and is planning to get on the court to shake off the rust over the next two days. Pekovic's presence could be a huge factor against a Portland team that may or may not have star forward LaMarcus Aldridge on the court. Aldridge is a game-time decision with a sprained elbow injury of his own.

For more on the T-Wolves, check out Canis Hoopus. For more Portland Trail Blazers coverage, head to Blazers Edge. And for more on the NBA, check out SB Nation's NBA hub page.

Timberwolves Vs. Trail Blazers: Minnesota Clings To Playoff Hopes When They Visit Portland

Timberwolves need to turn things around quickly to remain in playoff race.