Hornets begin short swing against Bobcats

The Hornets have won four of their last five games and posted a 110-93 victory over the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday at the Ford Center. Desmond Mason scored 18 points and David West added 16 for New Orleans/Oklahoma City, which is near the basement in the Southwest standings.

Devin Brown scored 15 points for the Hornets, while Bobby Jackson added 14 points off the bench and Linton Johnson contributed 12 points. Tyson Chandler finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds in the win. Chris Paul had nine points and six assists, and came up short in Saturday’s Skills Challenge contest during All-Star Game festivities.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City owns a paltry 8-17 road record this season and will also visit the New Jersey Nets at Continental Airlines Arena on Wednesday.

Charlotte, meanwhile, ended a four-game slide with a 100-85 triumph over the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Gerald Wallace scored 32 points and pulled down seven rebounds as Charlotte improved to 11-15 as the host this season. Emeka Okafor added 15 points, 21 rebounds and six blocked shots for the Bobcats, who are basement dwellers in the Southeast Division. Raymond Felton chipped in 16 points and nine assists, while Matt Carroll had 17 points.

Bobcats guards Brevin Knight (abdominal soreness) and Derek Anderson (ankle) are both probable for Tuesday’s game against the Hornets.

Tuesday’s game between New Orleans/Oklahoma City and Charlotte is the second and final meeting of the season. The Hornets won the first matchup, 94-85, on November 14 at the Ford Center.

The Hornets have won four straight after losing the first meeting, and own a 4-1 mark in the all-time series.