Josh Howard ready to help banged-up Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - For the first time in his nine-year career, Josh Howard didn't have a team to play for when the season began. Questions about his health and some lingering memories of issues off the court, kept teams away from the 32-year-old free agent.

The former All-Star says he never considered his career to be over, and he's happy to be a part of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Howard joined the banged-up Wolves to give them another wing player while they wait for six of their top seven players to return from injuries.

The plan was for Howard to play against Golden State on Friday night.

Nikola Pekovic (sprained left ankle), Brandon Roy (sore right knee) and JJ Barea (sprained left foot) all were scratched again.