Wolves-Charlotte game preview

Preview: The Wolves were set to fly home late after Monday's victory in Atlanta and arrive after midnight; the Hornets have been waiting in Minneapolis to play since Sunday. They haven't played since Saturday's 114-94 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio. They've started the season 2-4; their other victory was a 130-105 home rout of a Chicago team the Wolves beat in overtime Saturday. … The Hornets swept last season's two-game series, winning 105-80 at Charlotte and 109-98 at Target Center.

Players to watch: Former Wolves C Al Jefferson followed Thursday's 31-point game against the Mavs with a 13-point, seven-rebound game in San Antonio. He is averaging 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds. 1.2 assists and one block a game. … The Hornets have added swingman Nicolas Batum to their starting lineup since last season. The Wolves once signed Batum to a big offer sheet that the Trail Blazers matched.

Injuries: Wolves C Nikola Pekovic (April Achilles' surgery) is out. Hornets F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has missed the past six games and is out because of shoulder surgery.