Hornets' Nicolas Batum: Will not play Friday

Batum won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Timberwolves for rest purposes.

Analysis:

Batum will sit out for the second time this preseason with the Hornets concluding exhibition play with a back-to-back set. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist now healthy and ready to reclaim starting duties at small forward, Batum will see most of his action at shooting guard this season, where his lankiness should cause problems for opposing backcourt players.