Hornets aim to sting visiting Jazz

Utah has won five of its last six games, including Friday’s 116-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets at EnergySolutions Arena. Carlos Boozer had 25 points and 19 rebounds to lead the way.

Deron Williams added 16 points and 12 assists, while Mehmet Okur scored 14 points and pulled down five boards for the Jazz, who went 2-1 on a three-game homestand.

Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko (sprained right ankle) is questionable for Saturday’s game. The Jazz will now try to improve on their 13-10 road mark this season.

Meanwhile, the Hornets ended a two-game losing streak with Friday’s 88-84 triumph over the Sacramento Kings in the opener of a five-game homestand.

Desmond Mason had 24 points and eight rebounds, while Bobby Jackson netted 15 and dished out seven assists for the Hornets, who are 11-10 at home this season and 17 games off the lead in the Southwest Division. Devin Brown had 14 points, six boards and six assists in the win.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City will also host Portland, Philadelphia and Minnesota on the homestand.

Saturday’s game between the Jazz and Hornets is the first of three meetings this season. Utah went 3-1 last season and has won two straight, four of five and five of the last seven meetings.

Utah has won three straight at the Hornets.