The Minnesota Timberwolves will try to snap their two-game losing streak as they face the Charlotte Hornets on the road, and with both teams entering this matchup with 2-3 records, they are looking to get back on track.

Minnesota is dealing with injuries, but they've received some good news heading into Saturday night's game at the Spectrum Center.

For Charlotte, they're also managing their own injury concerns while trying to fix their defensive problems. As for Minnesota's guard Jaylen Clark, fans got positive news as the defensive specialist has been battling a left calf strain throughout the early season.

Status Update:

After entering the day with an available tag, Clark will be ready to play for Minnesota's Saturday night game against the Hornets.

The 23-year-old guard previously suffered an Achilles injury during his college career at UCLA, which limited his availability during his rookie season, so getting back on the court consistently has been crucial for his development.

Clark's Impact On Minnesota's Defense

Jaylen Clark won the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award during his final college season at UCLA in 2023, and the former second-round pick has shown flashes of that elite defensive ability during his time with the Timberwolves, even while dealing with injuries.

With the team missing Anthony Edwards due to a right hamstring strain, having Clark available adds another defensive option to the rotation. The three-time All-Star Edwards is expected to miss approximately two weeks, making Clark's return even more important for Minnesota.

Who Needs To Step Up Without Edwards?

Without their star guard, the Timberwolves will need other players to fill the scoring void.

Julius Randle has already shown he can handle increased responsibility, averaging 26.6 points per game this season. The three-time All-Star had 33 points in the recent loss to the Lakers and will be counted on to lead the offense.

Rob Dillingham, who's dealing with a face mask requirement but remains available, could see more playing time.

The rookie point guard showed promise in limited minutes and will have opportunities to prove himself with Edwards sidelined. In the loss to the Lakers, Dillingham had a solid performance with eight points and five assists in just 16 minutes.

How Charlotte Can Attack Minnesota

The Hornets, on the other hand, will look to take advantage of Minnesota's depleted backcourt. With Edwards out and Clark still working back from injury, Charlotte's offense should have more freedom. LaMelo Ball, averaging 24.4 points and 10.2 assists per game, will be the key player to watch.

Charlotte has struggled defensively, allowing 124.4 points per game, which ranks 28th in the league.

However, Minnesota's offensive struggles without their leading scorer could give the Hornets' defense a chance to find some confidence. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in points allowed, setting up what could be a competitive game.

Tip-off at the Spectrum Center is set for 6:00 p.m. EST, with both teams desperate for a win to avoid falling further behind in their respective conferences.