At Charlotte, 6 p.m. at Spectrum Center; FSN, 830-AM

Injuries pile up as Wolves look to reverse road woes

Preview: With the playoffs only a possibility in the mathematical sense and riding a four-game losing streak, the Wolves head out on the road, where they have lost eight straight. Already without a slew of players, the Wolves' injury list grew with the loss of Taj Gibson, who left Tuesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors with a left calf strain. The Hornets are three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite losing seven of 10.

Players to watch: Wolves C Karl-Anthony Towns is coming off a 26-point, 21-rebound effort vs. Golden State Tuesday, his sixth 20-20 game of the season. G Tyus Jones has struggled with his shot, making just three of 20 attempts in the last two games. Charlotte G Kemba Walker is 13th in the league in scoring (24.9). G Jeremy Lamb has averaged 21.7 points his last three games.

Numbers: The Wolves have allowed 18 or more three-pointers in three of their last four games. Minnesota players have lost a total of 131 games due to injuries, with Robert Covington (35) and Jeff Teague (21) leading the way. Minnesota's streak of scoring at least 100 points in 20 straight games is a franchise best. Charlotte is 4-9 at home vs. Western Conference teams this season.

Injuries: Robert Covington, Luol Deng, Jeff Teague and Derrick Rose are out for the Wolves. Taj Gibson is questionable. Charlotte F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (concussion protocol) is doubtful. F Cody Zeller (knee soreness) is out.

Kent Youngblood