http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/16752914.htm Time is running out for the Timberwolves if they want to make a playoff run. But such is life for the inconsistent Wolves, whose playoff chances hinge on them making something out of the current five-game homestand, their longest of the season. Minnesota entered Wednesday's game against the lowly Charlotte Bobcats with a 25-28 record that includes a robust 16-9 mark at Target Center. The Wolves need a whole lot of home-cooked mojo to handle their remaining guest list of four first-place teams. Phoenix, Washington, Dallas and Utah are scheduled to visit over the next 10 days. Minnesota was clinging to a half-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference entering Wednesday's play. "This is our time now to make our stand and our move," Wolves coach Randy Wittman said. "We've got some formidable people coming in here. That's going to be a challenge, but this is the time. We're down to 29 games." The Wolves' lackluster loss Tuesday night at Washington left them with a 9-19 road record, worst among the top eight teams in the West. Deadline anxiety: The NBA trade deadline is 2 p.m. CST today, which means the rumor mill could be churning throughout the day. Journeyman point guard Mike James, who lost his starting job last week to rookie Randy Foye, has been mentioned as the most attractive asset for the Wolves to move. He is under contract for three more seasons, averaging about $6 million. Last week, James sounded resigned to being traded after Wittman benched him. He declined to comment Wednesday. Wittman knows these are anxious times in every NBA locker room, but once the deadline passes, uncertainty cedes to reality. "That's why they call it a deadline. You can't do anything about it but go out and play," Wittman said. "That's why somebody would want you anyway, that you're out there performing the right way in a positive manner. "There's a calming effect that happens. Whatever it is that we've got left, this is who we've got. You can't change it in any way. This is who we're going to war with the last 28 games of the season." Briefly: Ricky Davis unfurled his frizzy, Ben Wallace-inspired hairdo. He said he liberated his locks on the return flight from Washington as a bouquet for the home fans. "I'm going to give them a little laugh and see if they like it," he said. --

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