MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The struggling Milwaukee Bucks, mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, face a daunting road test Sunday against the Western Conference-contending Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Bucks (11-17) have lost three of their last four, including a 111-105 home loss to Toronto on Thursday. Milwaukee’s defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 116.2 points per game this season. Forward Bobby Portis has been a bright spot, coming off a 24-point, 12-rebound performance against the Raptors and averaging 19.2 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last five games. He will need another strong outing to counter Minnesota’s interior presence. The Timberwolves (17-10) look to rebound after a 116-110 home loss to Memphis on Wednesday. Center Rudy Gobert remains the anchor of the NBA’s top-rated defense, averaging a double-double with 14.8 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last 10 games. His matchup with Bucks center Myles Turner, who scored 21 points in the last outing, will be pivotal in the paint. Minnesota has won seven of its last 10 and holds a significant advantage in the standings. The Bucks, conversely, are just 4-9 on the road this season. Milwaukee’s backcourt, led by Kevin Porter who had 22 points and 13 assists Thursday, must navigate a Timberwolves defense that consistently holds opponents under their season average. This game opens a challenging three-game road trip for Milwaukee, which visits Indiana next. Minnesota continues a home stretch before a Christmas Day showdown in Denver. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Sunday.