Wolves at Hornets: Game #20

Wolves at Hornets
6:00 pm CST
FS North

Not only is this the second game of a road back-to-back for the Wolves, but it’s also their third game in four nights. That doesn’t bode well for their chances of avoiding another season sweep at the hands of an Eastern Conference opponent. Last night, the Knicks completed the sweep of our squad, and tonight the Hornets will look to do the same after beating the Wolves at Target Center earlier this season.

That game featured one of the many 3rd quarter collapses we have witnessed this season, as the Wolves 12 point halftime lead disappeared with a 36-17 third quarter beat down that was fueled by Kemba Walker (who finished with 30 in that meeting) and terrific performances by Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky up front.

Walker has made a real leap this season offensively, shooting lights out (42 percent from three) and dominating with his quickness. He’s scoring 24 per night and has been a nightmare for opponents including the Wolves in their first meeting. Slowing him down is going to be a tough task.

The Hornets, however, are strongest on the defensive side of the ball, where they rank 8th in the league. They don’t foul, and they control their defensive backboards, two areas where the Wolves are often strong. Finding a way to get to the free throw line will be essential for the Wolves if they want to have a chance in this one.

It’s gonna be tough; this looks like a classic schedule loss, but the Wolves can’t use excuses. They need to battle their way out of the hole their in after losing seven of their last eight games.

Marvin Williams is out injured for the Hornets

Expected Lineups

Hornets

Kemba Walker
Nic Batum
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Frank Kaminsky
Cody Zeller

Wolves

Ricky Rubio
Zach LaVine
Andrew Wiggins
Karl-Anthony Towns
Gorgui Dieng

Our blogging buddies are over at At the Hive. Be excellent.

No no no.

Enjoy the game. Chat here. Go Wolves.