Hornets, SuperSonics clash at New Orleans Arena

The Hornets haven’t dropped a game as they host since an 89-78 letdown to the Philadelphia 76ers on January 31. The club stands a solid 17-11 at home this year.

The SuperSonics, though, has already beaten the Hornets twice this season, although both of those wins came in Seattle. The Sonics have on eight of their last 11 against the Hornets, but has lost four of its last six as the visitor.

The teams will conclude their four-game series on April 4 in Oklahoma City.

New Orleans will also play for the fifth time this year in New Orleans and is 2-2 at the New Orleans Arena. The club will play its final game there this season on March 23 against the Lakers.

The Hornets have won five of their last seven overall after downing the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday.

David West scored 32 points, pulled down eight rebounds and had four steals as New Orleans edged New Jersey, 111-107, at the Continental Airlines Arena. Chris Paul added 19 points and 11 assists and Bobby Jackson chipped in with 17 points off the bench.

The Hornets’ recent winning surge has them tied with Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. After tonight, the club will be off until playing in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Seattle is last in the Northwest standings, but is just four games out of a playoff spot. On Tuesday, Rashard Lewis scored 34 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and the SuperSonics routed the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-105.

Ray Allen scored 27 points for the Sonics, who won their season-high tying third straight, and their fourth in five games. Luke Ridnour scored 15 points and tallied 12 assists, and Chris Wilcox scored 13 points and pulled down 15 boards.

The Sonics have been dismal on the road this year, where they have lost 15 of their last 17 and are just 6-19 on the season.