Field Level Media
With the All-Star break behind them, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets return to regular-season competition on Friday when they meet in Minneapolis.
For the host Timberwolves, Friday's contest is a home opportunity before they embark on an important, four-game road swing beginningSunday. Minnesota faces each of the NBA's California teams on the trip, with three them of currently in position to qualify for the postseason.
The Timberwolves return from the break in position for the play-in round. They stand eighth in the Western Conference and just a half-game out of sixth-place -- but only 1 1/2 games ahead of Utah, the last team out of the play-in picture in the West.