Minnesota (24-20) at Milwaukee (15-27)

After having a recent five-game winning streak end, the Minnesota Timberwolves look to continue a run that has lasted almost five years when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks.

Minnesota lost its first game in more than a week Sunday, 94-84 to the Sacramento Kings.

The Timberwolves now try to bounce back against a Bucks team they have beaten 10 straight times. Milwaukee’s last win in the series came on March 28, 1999, a 94-85 decision at Minneapolis.

Minnesota began its streak against Milwaukee with a 91-84 win on March 4, 2000, and has outscored the Bucks by an average margin of 10.1 points over the run. The Timberwolves have also won eight straight on the road in the series.

Kevin Garnett had 21 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists Sunday for the Wolves, who were outscored 55-39 in the second half.

“We’ve got to get back to work and try to get this thing right,” said Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak, who had 17 points. “We just didn’t play well … and we’ve got to come back strong on Tuesday.”

With high-energy forward Mark Madsen out several more weeks with a thumb injury, the Wolves signed John Thomas for the rest of the season after his second 10-day contract expired.

Milwaukee has lost three straight after winning consecutive games, and is 12 games below .500 for the first time this season.

The Bucks had a five-point lead entering the fourth quarter Sunday, but lost 104-87 to the Cleveland Cavaliers—who were again playing without the injured LeBron James.

“Obviously, winning is everything,” said Bucks guard Michael Redd, who had 23 points. “You want to win. That’s the bottom line and we haven’t done that pretty much all year long. We’ve been inconsistent. We have to somehow pull together even more.”

Desmond Mason added 17 points for Milwaukee, which was held to a season-low 10 points in the fourth quarter. The Bucks were just 4-of-16 from the floor in the fourth quarter and made six turnovers.

Milwaukee was without forward Keith Van Horn, sidelined with tendinitis in his ankle. His status for this game is uncertain. Van Horn missed 18 games earlier this season with the ankle injury.

STANDINGS (through Jan. 30): Timberwolves - 2nd place, 7 GB, Northwest Division. Bucks - 5th place, 10 1/2 GB, Central Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Timberwolves - F Latrell Sprewell, F Garnett, C Ervin Johnson, G Trenton Hassell, G Anthony Carter. Bucks - F Mason, F Joe Smith, C Dan Gadzuric, G Maurice Williams, G Redd.

TEAM LEADERS: Timberwolves - Garnett, 22.8 ppg, 14.3 rpg and 6 apg. Bucks - Redd, 21.9 ppg; Gadzuric, 7.7 rpg; Williams, 5.9 apg.

2003-04 SEASON SERIES: Timberwolves, 2-0.

LAST MEETING: Feb. 24; Timberwolves, 108-102. At Milwaukee, Cassell had 29 points, making six free throws in the closing seconds to lead the Timberwolves.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Timberwolves - 11-11 on the road; Bucks - 10-10 at home.

INJURIES: Timberwolves - F Madsen (thumb); F Ndudi Ebi (knee); F Van Horn (ankle). Bucks - F-C Zendon Hamilton (knee); G T.J. Ford (neck).