Hornets try to extend winning streak at Indiana

On Wednesday, Kirk Snyder scored 22 points and five other New Orleans/Oklahoma City players finished in double figures as the red- hot Hornets posted an easy 102-86 victory over Portland at the Ford Center.

Aaron Williams recorded 14 points and eight rebounds while Desmond Mason netted 13 points for the Hornets, who are in the midst of a season-best winning streak and have won nine of 10.

The Hornets’ winning streak is the best since they closed the 2002-03 campaign with five straight victories. They had also won eight in a row earlier that season.

New Orleans also received a boost with the return of point guard Chris Paul, who missed the team’s last three games due to bruised ribs. The Rookie of the Year candidate had just one point in 21-plus minutes, but dished out seven assists against just one turnover.

The Hornets, who play five of their next six on the road, are 10-15 away from home this season.

Indiana, meanwhile, also enters on a winning note after Anthony Johnson tallied 24 points to lead the Pacers past the Milwaukee Bucks, 88-77, at home on Wednesday. Peja Stojakovic recorded 20 points and seven rebounds for Indiana, which won for the fifth time in its last six games.

Jeff Foster added seven points and 18 rebounds, while David Harrison scored 16 off the bench.

Indiana continues to win despite injuries to Jermaine O’Neal (groin), Austin Croshere (concussion) and Jamaal Tinsley (elbow). O’Neal is sidelined up to two months, while Croshere and Tinsley should be back soon.

The Pacers, who will be closing a seven-game homestand tonight, are 17-8 in their arena this season.

Indiana split its two meetings with the Hornets last season, but has dropped three of the last four meetings. The Hornets, though, have lost two of three and eight of 12 in Indiana.