Hornets buzz into Denver

New Orleans/Oklahoma City enters tonight’s contest on a two-game losing streak and will open a three-game road trip. On Sunday, Mehmet Okur poured in 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds, as the Utah Jazz defeated the Hornets, 108-94, at the Ford Center.

Tyson Chandler scored a season-high 20 points and added 19 rebounds for the Hornets, who have dropped three of their last four games overall. Desmond Mason ended with 17 points and Chris Paul contributed 14 points and handed out 13 assists.

The Hornets are 9-20 on the road this season. They will also visit the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz on the current swing.

Denver, which wraps up a three-game homestand, will also try to get back on the winning track. On Friday, All-Star Tracy McGrady scored 28 points and veteran Dikembe Mutombo grabbed a season-high 22 rebounds, as the Houston Rockets held off the Nuggets, 108-97, at the Pepsi Center.

Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points in the loss for Denver, which has dropped five of its last seven games overall. Allen Iverson netted 19 points, while Steve Blake ended with 14 points and Marcus Camby blocked a season-high tying seven shots.

Camby (bruised tailbone) is probable for tonight’s game and Anthony (personal) is questionable.

The Nuggets are 15-16 at home this season. They are scheduled to visit the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at ORACLE Arena.

This is the third of four meetings between the clubs this season. The Hornets won the two previous contests. New Orleans/Oklahoma City is scheduled to host the Nuggets on April 13th.

The Hornets have won two in a row in Denver.