Minneapolis, MN (Betting Express) - Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves is expected to be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Monday. The Timberwolves have scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. (et) to make the announcement.

Garnett led the league in rebounding (13.9 rpg) this season and was second in points per game (24.2), leading the Timberwolves to their first Midwest Division title.

The 7-foot Garnett played in all 82 games this season, his ninth in the league. He also averaged 5.0 assists for his fifth straight season of 20-10-5, a feat matched only by Larry Bird.

Garnett became the first player to win four Player of the Month awards during the 2003-04 season. He was a First Team All-NBA and All-Defensive selection.

He joins three-time winner Moses Malone as the only MVPs to enter the NBA directly from high school. Last year, Garnett finished second in the balloting to San Antonio forward Tim Duncan, who captured the award the two previous seasons.

Selected out of Farragut Academy High School in Illinois by Minnesota in the first round (fifth pick overall) of the 1995 NBA Draft, the 27-year-old Garnett has averaged 20.0 points and 10.8 rebounds in 693 regular-season games.

Other candidates for the award this season were Duncan, Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal, Sacramento Kings forward Peja Stojakovic, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and New Orleans Hornets guard Baron Davis.