Hornets host skidding Raptors

On Wednesday, Mike James had a game-high 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds with eight assists for the Raptors. Matt Bonner added 14 points and Charlie Villanueva contributed 14 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Toronto also lost the services of forward Chris Bosh.

Bosh has missed the past five games with a strained left thumb and won’t lace up the sneakers any time soon. Bosh, who leads the team in scoring with 22.5 points per game, went down with the injury on March 26 in Milwaukee.

After an evaluation, the All-Star was advised to sit out the remainder of the season to avoid further damage. Bosh played in 70 games this season and pulled down 9.2 rebounds per contest. He also recorded 32 double-doubles in 2005-06.

The Raptors have lost three in a row on the road and are 12-25 away from the Air Canada Centre this season.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City is two games behind the Sacramento Kings for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Hornets have won four of their last five games, including Wednesday’s 114-109 overtime victory against Golden State. Rookie of the Year candidate Chris Paul notched a triple-double with 17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds to lead the Hornets.

Speedy Claxton scored 21 points and dished out seven assists, while David West and Linton Johnson each scored 13 points in the victory. The Hornets are 3-1 in their last four home games and 22-15 as the host in 2005-06.

Friday’s game between Toronto and New Orleans/Oklahoma City is the second and final meeting of the season.

The Hornets posted a 120-113 double-overtime win over Toronto on April 2. The Raptors had won five straight in the series before that setback.

Toronto has won three straight after losing its last two at the Hornets.

Cleveland is scheduled to host the Knicks on April 13th in the final contest of the season between the squads.