MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Clippers, fresh off a rare decisive victory, will face a steep challenge against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night at Target Center. The teams enter on vastly different trajectories. The Timberwolves (14-8) have won four of their last five, including a 125-116 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. The Clippers (6-16) snapped a five-game losing streak with a 115-92 win in Atlanta that same night, but have still dropped 10 of their last 12. A central matchup will feature two players in strong individual form: Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle. Zubac is amid a remarkable rebounding stretch, averaging a double-double with 15.4 points and 14.2 rebounds over his last 10 games. He dominated the Hawks with 17 rebounds and five assists to complement 14 points. Randle has powered Minnesota’s offense, averaging 20.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists over the same span. He scored 28 points in the win over New Orleans. His versatility will test a Clippers defense that has struggled consistently. Beyond the stars, the Timberwolves boast a formidable front line with Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, who combined for 34 points and 19 rebounds against the Pelicans. The Clippers will need another strong performance from guard James Harden, who had 27 points and nine assists in Atlanta, to keep pace. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Minnesota is projected as a heavy favorite with an 86.9% probability to win. The Clippers have found wins elusive on the road, while the Timberwolves have been strong at home this season. For Los Angeles, the game begins a stretch of six road contests in seven games. Minnesota continues a brief two-game homestand before hosting Phoenix on Monday.