The paint.
The Timberwolves rank fifth in the league in points in the paint, largely thanks to Kevin Love, Kevin Martin, and bruising center Nikola Pekovic. The Nets have done well limiting points in the paint in 2014, but they’ve struggled with Kevin Garnett sidelined with back spasms.
The Nets don’t have anyone big enough to match up directly with Pekovic, except for end-of-the bench center Jason Collins, who can’t command stints longer than a few minutes. Mason Plumlee has struggled with larger big men, and Andray Blatche’s effectiveness wanes and waxes on a game-by-game basis. The Nets also can’t commit to double-teaming on Pekovic with Martin and Love on the floor, two dangerous long-range shooters.
The good news for the Nets: the Timberwolves are thin up front after Love and Pekovic, and allow nearly as many points in the paint as they score (45.5). Though the Nets don’t have many interior threats, that could mean an attack-heavy game from Nets guard Deron Williams in an attempt to force Pekovic into foul trouble.
