(Best E Casino) - The New Orleans Hornets try to stay atop the Southwest Division and Western Conference standings, as they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Target Center.

The Hornets are one game ahead of the San Antonio Spurs in both the Southwest and conference standings.

New Orleans will try to get back on the winning track Wednesday, as it opens a three-game road trip. The Hornets are 25-12 on the road this season, and will also visit the Lakers and Sacramento on the swing.

On Tuesday, Mehmet Okur posted a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds as Utah defeated New Orleans, 77-66, at New Orleans Arena and clinched its second consecutive Northwest Division crown.

Peja Stojakovic had 15 points in the loss for the Hornets, who had a five-game winning streak halted and lost for just the second time in 12 contests overall. David West added 14 points, while Tyson Chandler pulled down a team- high nine rebounds.

Minnesota is 14-25 as the host this season. It has dropped five in a row overall, and two straight at home. After tonight's contest, the Timberwolves will embark on a three-game road trip to Orlando, Memphis and Detroit.

The Timberwolves fell 121-119 to Charlotte on Tuesday down south. Al Jefferson tied a career-high with 40 points with 10 rebounds for Minnesota, while Ryan Gomes contributed 24 points and Randy Foye netted 19 in defeat.

New Orleans is 2-1 against the Timberwolves this season, and has won four of the last five contests in the series. The Hornets have captured four in a row at Minnesota.