Charlotte Hornets @ Minnesota Timberwolves Game Preview
INJURY REPORT:
HORNETS: PROBABLE: Oubre (Hand), Rozier (Hand), OUT: Martin (Knee)
TIMBERWOLVES: OUT: Karl-Anthony Towns (Calf)
GAME PREVIEW:
The Hornets and Timberwolves will face off tonight at 8:00 PM EST in Minnesota for both teams' first game since the All-star break. The Hornets haven't won more than two games in a row all season, but they have a chance to do so tonight against the Timberwolves.
Before the All-Star break, the Hornets won two straight versus the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs. The Hornets also might be getting back a key player tonight in Kelly Oubre Jr, who is having a career year with the Hornets this season averaging over 20 points per game. However, he's missed the past 24 games after having hand surgery.
The Timberwolves made a trade at the deadline that sent D'Angelo Russell to the Lakers in exchange for Mike Conley. Since the trade, the Timberwolves are 1-2 and Conley has struggled as he's only averaging seven points a game, while shooting 33.3% from the field and 30.8% from three. The Timberwolves are trying to hang on in the West as they currently hold a 31-30 record and sit in the 7th spot in the Western Conference, but only 2.5 games ahead of 13th.
KEY MATCHUP: LaMelo Ball vs Anthony Edwards
The anticipated matchup between two of the top players from the 2020 draft class. LaMelo Ball was not available for the first matchup between the two this season. However, Ball currently holds the advantage between the two as he has a record of 3-1 over Edwards. Ball is averaging 23.3 points per game, along with 8.4 assists this season while Anthony Edwards is averaging 24.9 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds. Both players have been compared to each other throughout their young careers and went into the All-Star break on a tear. Over the last two games, LaMelo averaged 29.0 points, 12.5 assists, and 9.0 rebounds. Edwards went into the All-Star break on a scoring rampage, as he averaged around 33.0 points in his last two games. It will be a fun matchup to watch for, as both of these young guards go at it tonight.
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| Position | Hornets | Timberwolves |
|---|---|---|
Point Guard | LaMelo Ball | Mike Conley |
Shooting Guard | Terry Rozier | Anthony Edwards |
Small Forward | Gordon Hayward | Kyle Anderson |
Power Forward | PJ Washington | Jaden McDaniels |
Center | Mark Williams | Rudy Gobert |
