The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on Sunday.

The Suns (11-36) come into this matchup losing 12 of their last 15 games, as stretches like that have become all too common for this team. Phoenix currently owns the second-worst record in the NBA, as they look well on their way to another top-pick. Accumulating all these picks is great for the future but it's got to hurt fans to watch this team struggle year after year. There are pieces to get excited about though, with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton showing signs of brilliance. The emergence of Kelly Oubre Jr. is promising too, as that Trevor Ariza trade is looking like a steal with the potential he possesses. Building for the future is all that really matters though and it appears the future is in good hands as long as they continue to add pieces to this puzzle.

The Timberwolves (21-24) come into this matchup losing three of their last four games, as they haven't been able to match up with their tough competition. The most discouraging loss was a 149-107 beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. That shows where this team really struggles, as they're one of the worst defensive units in the NBA. In fact, the Timberwolves sit 20th in points allowed and 21st in defensive efficiency. The fact that they remain below .500 this late into the season is discouraging as well, as this development was supposed to be much further than this. Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns are doing their parts but they need more from their role players if they want to get back into contention.

Phoenix won their first game over Minnesota earlier this season, 107-99, on December 15. Prior to that, the Timberwolves won six of their previous eight games over the Suns.