Hornets try to sting T’wolves

The Hornets are three games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. But on Friday they had their three-game winning streak halted with a 103-95 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

David West tallied 17 points at the Ford Center for the Hornets, who played without guard Chris Paul (foot) and center Tyson Chandler (toe). Marc Jackson had 16 points, while Devin Brown and Jannero Pargo each had 13 points in the losing cause. Paul and Chandler are both listed as questionable for today.

Forward Peja Stojakovic (lower back) is expected to miss tonight’s contest. Stojakovic, who is in his first season with the Hornets, is averaging 17.8 points in 13 games this season. The sharp-shooting Stojakovic last played on November 24th.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City is 12-25 as the guest this season.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will open a four-game homestand on Saturday and have won two of their last three overall games. Randy Foye scored 19 points to lead Minnesota past the New York Knicks, 99-94, on Friday at Madison Square Garden.

Ricky Davis added 17 points and Kevin Garnett tallied 12 points and 15 boards for Minnesota, which drew within 5 1/2 games of the Clippers for the final postseason spot in the West.

Minnesota will host the Hornets, Raptors, Mavericks and Spurs on the stand, and is 20-16 at the Target Center this season.

Saturday’s game between the Hornets and Timberwolves is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. New Orleans/Oklahoma City is 2-1 so far in the series and has won four of the last six meetings.

The Hornets have won two straight after losing their last six at Minnesota.