Hornets hope to halt losing streak vs. Nets

The Hornets, who are 1 1/2 games off the eighth and final playoff spot in the West, suffered a 96-86 setback to the Utah Jazz on Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.

Jannero Pargo poured in 15 points and David West added 13 with 10 rebounds for the Hornets. Chris Paul donated 12 points with 11 assists, while Tyson Chandler also netted 12 points in defeat.

In injury news for New Orleans/Oklahoma City, forward Desmond Mason (knee) is probable for Tuesday’s game against New Jersey.

The Nets, meanwhile, will wrap up a six-game road trip tonight and are 1-4 so far on the trek. They ended a five-game losing streak with Monday’s 113-102 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, as Vince Carter scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the way.

Mikki Moore added 24 points for the Nets, who pulled within a half game of the New York Knicks for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Richard Jefferson tallied 18 points in the winning effort.

New Jersey is 12-20 away from Continental Airlines Arena this season. On the injury front for the Nets, forward Clifford Robinson (knee) and guard Antoine Wright (elbow) are both questionable against the Hornets.

Tuesday’s showdown between the Nets and Hornets is the second and final meeting of the regular season. New Orleans/Oklahoma City won the first meeting by a 111-107 score on February 21 at Continental Airlines Arena, ending a six- game losing streak in the series.

New Jersey has won eight of 12 and 11 of the last 16 meetings. It has also won three straight and four of its last five at the Hornets.