The key contributors tend to be evolving and rotating for the Charlotte Hornets.
As long as at least a player or two are able to come through, the Hornets figure to have a chance against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at Charlotte, N.C.
The Timberwolves will arrive on a roll with a three-game winning streak and victories in six of their last seven games. They’ve had a variety of players come to the forefront.
Minnesota had Anthony Edwards as its leading scorer for five straight games until Karl-Anthony Towns pumped in 32 points in Thursday night’s 101-90 victory against the visiting Utah Jazz. Edwards missed that game with a hip injury that’s not expected to have him out for long.
Towns is a capable go-to player.
Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 points in Thursday night’s game.
The Hornets posted a 129-128 road victory Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets when Terry Rozier, who had been out until recently with a groin injury, poured in a season-high 37 points.
The Hornets were without the injured LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, both out with ankle injuries. But Rozier is versatile enough to handle some of the duties that usually have belonged to Ball.
Rozier, who made seven 3-point baskets at Brooklyn, has scored 22, 11 and 37 points in three games since a three-week absence.
Bryce McGowens has moved into Charlotte’s starting lineup in Miller’s place.
Charlotte is amid its best stretch of the season with three wins in its last five games. It took a season-high point total to beat the Nets.
While the Hornets are coming off a positive result, it took a season-high 21 baskets from 3-point range to get that job done.
Minnesota will be aiming for its third consecutive road victory. Defense can be the key to more of that success.
