Latrell

Sprewell

Hopefully those problems won’t involve choking. If the talks drag past the season opener, Sprewell will be reluctant to continue negotiations, and instead will ask for a sign-and-trade deal or wait to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Sprewell was limited in practice yesterday.

At one point in the fourth quarter, the coaches switched Wally Szczerbiak onto Mike Bibby because Sprewell was having trouble keeping up. Monitor this situation, as Spree sometimes has a hard time staying motivated for a full game even when he’s 100 percent.

His status for Sunday’s game against Washington is uncertain.

Taylor wasn’t happy that Sprewell engaged in a bout of name calling with coach Flip Saunders when Saunders took him out during Monday’s game.

Desperation has coach Flip Saunders considering limiting the number of threes his team shoots, but that would be a hasty decision. Sprewell and Hudson are good shooters and could get hot at any time now.

The Timberwolves haven’t had their top six players together yet this preseason. Coach Flip Saunders hopes Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Olowokandi will play before the exhibition season concludes next week.

Spree is day-to-day. The injury isn’t serious.

Sprewell remains day-to-day, while Sam Cassell, Fred Hoiberg and Mark Madsen, all of whom missed Wednesday’s game, should be available.

The reason for Sprewell’s absence was unknown. Owner Glen Taylor said Thursday that Sprewell was driving from his hometown of Milwaukee at the same time the Wolves’ media day was going on. It’s uncertain if the team will fine him. Nothing like making a good first impression.