NBA News (most popular)
Shaq Could Return to Los Angeles

Pacers send Jackson, Harrington to

Gilbert Arenas Beat Nick Young (...)

more...

Hornets are fading

12.11.2006

(Basketball News) - The injury bug is having a major effect on the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, who are 9-10 and sit in fourth place in the Southwest Division.

On Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers attempt to win their third straight game when they visit the Hornets at the Ford Center. IT is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. the Cavaliers are scheduled to host the Hornets on February 27, 2007 at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland has won three straight after losing its last 10 at the Hornets. The Cavaliers have won seven in a row in the series.

The banged-up Hornets try to put the brakes on a two-game losing streak against the Cavaliers. On Saturday, Warriors coach Don Nelson was finally able to celebrate win number 1,200 as the Golden State Warriors breezed by New Orleans/Oklahoma City, 101-80, at ORACLE Arena.

Desmond Mason led the Hornets with 24 points in the loss to Golden State. Jannero Pargo scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Rasual Butler netted 13 and reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Paul added 11 points for the Hornets, who have lost seven of their last eight games overall.

On the injury front for the Hornets, Peja Stojakovic (strained lower back), David West (strained right forearm) and guard Bobby Jackson (cracked left rib) are all hurt for the Hornets. West has not played since November 12th and is averaging 17.4 points and 8.3 rebounds, while Stojakovic, who joined the club through a sign-and- trade with Indiana during the offseason, last played on November 24th. Jackson has missed four straight games and is expected to miss at least two weeks with his injury.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City, which plays the first of a three-game homestand, is 4-3 as the host this season. They will play the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday and the Dallas Mavericks on December 16th. The games against the Spurs and Mavericks are scheduled to be played at New Orleans Arena.

Paul leads the Hornets in scoring (18.2 ppg) and assists (8.2 apg), while Tyson Chandler is averaging a club-best 12.1 rebounds per game. The 6-0 Paul has scored in double-digits in 18 of 19 contests and has collected nine double-doubles.

The Hornets are 0-3 when they allow over 100 points this season.

NOH

Post your comment:

No profanity or inaproppriate remarks. All i.p. addresses will be saved and abuse/hate posts will be reported to providers and authorities as part of the anti-spam act of 2003, thank you for posting comments on the articles only.