Hornets at Timberwolves
Wins have been hard to come by for the New Orleans Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves, but one of them will taste victory when the struggling squads square off Sunday in Minneapolis. It's the last of four meetings this season, and the Hornets are trying to salvage a split after taking two of three from the Timberwolves last season.
The Hornets have lost two straight and 10 of 13 after a 96-87 defeat at Washington on Friday. They're trying to salvage one win from a three-game road trip before heading home for seven straight. The Timberwolves have lost two straight and 10 of 12, but one of their five wins over the past six weeks was a 115-86 home victory over New Orleans on Feb. 2.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports New Orleans, Fox Sports North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (22-44): The Hornets haven't gotten the job done at the defensive end, but they have some exciting offensive players. Guard Eric Gordon (17 points) has provided a big boost since returning to the lineup, and reserve forward Ryan Anderson (16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds) is a lethal outside shooter. Point guard Greivis Vasquez (14 points, 9.4 assists) is one of the most improved players in the league, and rookie Anthony Davis (13 points, 7.9 rebounds) has come on strong lately with five double-doubles in his last nine games and 15 for the season.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-41): Minnesota's injury report is mounting with forward Andrei Kirilenko (calf) and center Nikola Pekovic (abdominal strain) listed as doubtful in addition to a number of long-term injuries that have helped derail the season. The team's top three scorers are among the injured, so guard Luke Ridnour (12.3 points) and forward Derrick Williams (11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds) are the top healthy players. Point guard Ricky Rubio (9.7 points, 7.3 assists) has provided a bright spot since returning from injury and recorded his first career triple-double Tuesday against San Antonio.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Timberwolves have 11 losses when leading or tied after three quarters.
2. The Hornets are 2-30 when allowing 100 or more points and 3-33 when trailing after three quarters.
3. Pekovic (15.9 points, 8.8 rebounds) has missed the past eight games, and Kirilenko (13.1 points, 6 rebounds) has sat out nine straight contests for Minnesota.