Loren

Woods

Woods had nine points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes, while helping clamp down on Yao, who had more turnovers than field goals. Don’t rush out to pick up the 7-2 Woods, but keep him on your watch list.

“I don’t know when they will be back in,” Mitchell said about his starting center and point guard. “We are supposed to be professionals. Nobody has the right to do that [earn technical fouls?] in a close game. They embarrassed themselves and the Toronto Raptors.” Donyell Marshall and Milt Palacio will benefit as long as Woods and Alston get the Mitchell Treatment.

Woods, going up for an offensive rebound in the second quarter, got clipped on the way down and landed square on his tailbone. He’s day-to-day.

The 7-foot-2 center isn’t a banger, but he is athletic and can beat opposing centers down the floor. ''I think I’m finally starting to get into a rhythm, and that comes from learning the system,’' Woods said. His points, rebounds, and minutes (20) on Tuesday were all season highs. Woods is a good change of pace from the shorter, heftier Brian Grant, who has been a bit of a disappointment so far.

''Same thing as a lot of players, I emotionally kind of lost my head a little bit. That’s all that took place,’' Woods said. ''I would’ve suspended myself if I was in that same position.’' Woods is someone to watch if Brian Grant’s knee tendinitis causes him to miss any time.

Woods has averaged 1.9 points and 2.2 rebounds in two seasons with the Timberwolves. He could make the Heat as a reserve.

The signings of Woods and Samaki Walker make it appear unlikely that Vladimir Stepania will return. Woods should make the team as a reserve, but he’s not going to be given much playing time unless he earns it.

Woods, a five-year veteran, is expected to fly to Sacramento on Monday and finalize the deal early next week. “Loren is bouncing off the walls, he’s so excited,” Levien said. “He really feels like this could be a good place for him.” He’ll serve as Brad Miller’s backup in the middle.

Woods had no value as a part-time starter in Toronto the past two seasons and he’ll have no fantasy value in Sacramento, either.

He missed all three of his shot attempts and finished with zero points and four boards. Woods will likley struggle against true centers, like Theo Ratliff, but should be better than this on most nights.