Preview: The soon-to-be Pelicans have lost five of six after Friday's 113-98 loss at Denver after having won seven of nine before that. This game is the last in the Hornets' five-game trip. ... The two teams have split two games this season, both in New Orleans: The Wolves won 113-102 on Dec. 14, the Hornets 104-92 on Jan. 11. They have split the past eight meetings, but New Orleans is 4-1 in its past five at Target Center. ... The Lakers-Hornets tag team on Friday-Saturday nights is the same scheduling setup as last March, when Ricky Rubio tore his knee vs. the Lakers.
Players to watch: F Ryan Anderson entered Friday having led Hornets reserves in scoring in nine consecutive games and 18 of 21. He had made five or more three-pointers in a game 10 times this season. ... PG Greivis Vasquez is an early leader for Most Improved Player. He leads his team with 18 double-doubles.
Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (hand surgery), F Chase Budinger (knee surgery), G Brandon Roy (knee) and G Malcolm Lee (hip/knee surgeries) are out. The Hornets report no injuries.
JERRY ZGODA
