Timberwolves set to shut trio down

The Timberwolves have more than likely shut down three of their top five scorers for the rest of the season with lingering injuries: Robert Covington, Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague.

The team announced before its game Thursday at Charlotte that Covington, who was the centerpiece of the package received in the Jimmy Butler trade, recently suffered a setback with the bone bruise on his right knee. Covington had been progressing closer to a return since getting hurt Dec. 31. He played in only 22 games for the T’wolves after arriving from Philadelphia.

Rose has missed the last four games with soreness and swelling in his right elbow. He had an MRI on Tuesday that revealed a bone chip and a loose body in the joint. Teague has also missed the last four games after aggravating a left foot injury that initially occurred in mid-December. He had an injection Tuesday to treat inflammation.

The team said all three players are not expected to play again this season. The Timberwolves are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoff race.

Kemba Walker scored 31 points, rookie Miles Bridges had 11 points and 12 rebounds for his first career double-double on his 21st birthday, and the Hornets handed the Timberwolves their fifth straight loss, 113-106 Thursday night.

Jeremy Lamb added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who won for only the fifth time in their last 16 games.

Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 21 points and 16 rebounds.