Hornets back home in New Orleans and beginning an cushy stretch of the schedule this eve as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game tips at 7 p.m. Central.

The T-Wolves are in the Western Conference basement with their 2-16 record, but that second win did come this past Sunday in Denver, snapping a 15-game losing streak. And then they went and lost to the Grizzlies at home.

Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and rookie Jonny Flynn have been carrying most of the load for Minnesota this season. They’ll have some help from Kevin Love tonight, since he’s reportedly going to lace ’em up for the first time this season.

As for the Hornets, things are looking up, with Peja Stojakovic due to make his return from a two-game absence and Chris Paul getting real close to 100 percent on that ankle. He may even play tonight.

I’ll be at the Arena and chatting it up over at ESPN’s Daily Dime Live during the game. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for updates on Paul’s status.

Linkage:

• Ryan’s game preview
• Journals: Collison vs. Paul rookie comparison | Wake Up Mr. West
• Lagniappe: Rookie rankings, NBA Top 50 and taco controversy
  
• Rival bloggers: Cannis Hoopus | Howlin’ T-Wolf | TWolves Blog

(Many thanks to Dariusz for the banner, today featuring Alonzo Mourning. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)