National Basketball Association

Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Preseason Game 7

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Charlotte Hornets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 8:00pm in Minnesota. This will be their last game of the preseason. They are looking to end the preseason on a four game winning streak.

TV: NBA TV at 8:00pm

The Hornets face a rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. The Charlotte Hornets won the last match up and are currently riding a three game winning streak. The new faces on the team are starting to gel together as players are getting more comfortable with each other. The Timberwolves are 4-2 with one of their only losses coming to the Hornets and the Thunder.

Charlotte will be without Nicolas Batum (rest), Spencer Hawes (rest), Brian Roberts (hamstring), and Marvin Williams (finger) as they are not traveling with the team. On only one days rest, expect starter and key role players to play in a limited fashion. This is a game where the bench will be emptied early and young/fringe guys will get a chance to prove themselves.

Last Game

MKG the Double-Double Machine

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the best rebounding small forwards in the NBA. He proved this last night by notching a double-double (10 points 14 rebounds). He seemed to be all over the place. This was also his most efficient shooting night. He slashed to the rim and finished with authority to the tune of 55.4% shooting. If MKG can average around 12 ppg, six rpg and lock down the opposing best player, the Hornets will be set for this year. Hopefully he will produce many more plays like this one:

And ANOTHER jam by @MKG14 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/iDwY1qOj6t

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 20, 2016

Kaminsky’s Graduation

According to Marvin Williams, you stop being a rookie after the first game of your second season. I am jumping the gun by a week but I’d officially like to announce that Kaminsky is no longer a part of the rookie class. One of the biggest knocks on him last year, besides defense, was his consistency.

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Well, once again, Kaminsky put up a solid offensive performance. He recorded 16 points on 54.5% shooting and 6 rebounds. He has shown flashes of a post-up game in addition to his three-point range. His playmaking ability out of the high-post is also a lot better. It seems like the game is finally starting to slow down for him.

Matchup to Watch

Zach LaVine vs Kemba Walker

The Ricky Rubio rumor mill has already started, and this might finally be the year he is traded. The Timberwolves now have young talent in the form of Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine to split up the point guard duties. LaVine went off for 30 points the last time these two teams played each other.

Kemba doesn’t like to be shown up in his own arena. I expect Kemba to return the favor in Minnesota tonight. Expect a night full of high flying dunks and deadly crossovers as these two face off against each other.