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2-on-3: Previewing Timberwolves @ Hornets
Mason and I preview tonight’s game against the Timberwolves.
1. Which matchup most favors the Timberwolves?
Mason: Small forward. The second that I heard Beasley wouldn’t be making the trip to New Orleans, my mind was made up. The difference in value to the team between him and his replacement(s) is much greater than the disparity between any single T-Wolves/Hornets positional matchup. (After reading my player power rankings on Sunday, did you really expect anything different?)
Joe: Point guard. Rubio and Ridnour are step ahead of Jack, Squeaky, and Vasquez.
2. Which matchup most favors the Hornets?
Mason: Center. Whether it’s Oak or Kaman in the middle, both should have a large edge over Darko or whover the T-Wolves throw out there. If Love sees a decent amount of minutes at C (I still can’t figure out why he doesn’t just start there instead of PF), then the Hornets’ matchup edge simply switches to the position that he isn’t playing.
Joe: After Kevin Love, the Wolves front court gets bad pretty fast. Williams will be a nice player one day, but not yet. Hornets can win this battle handily if they don’t let Love go off.
3. Care to make some predictions about the game?
Mason: Kaman and Oak work their tails off down low, and Love is held to a season-low rebound total (anything below 12 qualifies). Hornets win 92-85.
Joe: Vasquez and Rubio will bang heads on more than one occasion. Should be a fun battle to watch. Hornets should be able to get a W tonight.
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