Preview: The Timberwolves have won seven of nine games, but last season lost three games to the Hornets by a combined 94 points. The Wolves are back home after a 2-1 Western trip that coach Kevin McHale described as good, but not great.
Players to watch: New Orleans' Chris Paul has the ability to wow you with his clutch shooting (21.2 points per game), heads-up passing (11 assists) and skills on the defensive side of the ball (2.7 steals). Wolves guard Randy Foye's numbers might have cooled some, but he's still been mighty. He played 36 minutes or more in each game last week and shot 48 percent from the field. Numbers: The Wolves have not been outrebounded in 10 games. ... Forward Kevin Love leads all NBA rookies with 8.4 rebounds per game.
Injuries: Wolves forward Corey Brewer (knee) and guard Kevin Ollie (elbow) are out. Hornets center Hilton Armstrong (knee) is day to day. Center Tyson Chandler (ankle) and forward David West (back) are out.
