It's hard to start an engine if you're missing the key.
That's what the Timberwolves have been missing in the past two games of their three-game losing streak. That's what the Wolves began fixing Thursday, in preparation for tonight's game against Charlotte, Saturday's game at Chicago and perhaps the rest of their 82-game season.

Off the court, veteran point guard Terrell Brandon had successful surgery on his left knee Thursday. He had loose fragments removed from the knee and will be re-examined next week to determine how long he'll be out.

On the court, backup point guard Chauncey Billups ran his first practice this season as the Wolves' starter, leading the same plays he has all season, but with a new authority.

"It's a little bit of an adjustment,'' Wolves coach Flip Saunders said. "Terrell's a little bit more at ease, and Chauncey is looking more to score a little bit more. We might get some more turnovers. The biggest thing with Chauncey is getting into a rhythm and understanding things. Chauncey's such a great kid, he wants it so bad, almost too bad. He'll get that when he relaxes.''

How soon that happens -- and whether the rest of the team adjusts to it -- remains to be seen. Saunders said it could be today. Or next week. Or later.