Yao and Rockets stop off in New Orleans

The Hornets come into tonight’s tilt after sweeping a home-and-home set with the lowly Orlando Magic, culminating with Wednesday’s 106-91 triumph. Baron Davis poured in 27 points and dished out 12 assists to lead the way.

New Orleans had six players score in double digits, as Jamaal Magloire had a monster night while scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

P.J. Brown and George Lynch each added 10 points for the Hornets, who have won three of their last four overall. Brown also hauled in 10 boards, while David Wesley pitched in 13 points.

The Hornets, who will be wrapping up a brief two-game homestand tonight, are 7-2 on their court this season.

Houston, meanwhile, stopped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday when it posted a 107-101 victory over the Utah Jazz. Cuttino Mobley had a season-high 32 points to lead all scorers, while Yao Ming had 20 points and eight rebounds.

Eric Piatkowski started and capped a 10-2 run out of the gates in overtime, hitting a three 33 seconds in and then a jumper with 1:28 left to make it 104-96. Piatkowski had five of Houston’s 13 points in overtime and finished with a season-high 13 points himself.

The Rockets are 5-1 when Mobley leads the team in scoring.

Houston, which will be home for its next three games after tonight’s contest, is just 4-6 away from home this season.

The Rockets and New Orleans split their two meetings last season, but Houston has won four of six and five of the last eight matchups. The Hornets, though, have won seven of the last 12, including four of the last six on their home court.