Paul is the key to Hornets’ run at the postseason

Paul has scored 20 or more points in three straight contests for the Hornets. The Wake Forest product is averaging 22.0 points and 9.3 assists during that stretch

New Orleans/Oklahoma Hornets tries to get back on the winning track on Monday, as it welcomes the Boston Celtics to the Ford Center. It is the second and final meeting of the campaign between the clubs. On November 1st, Paul collected 20 points, seven rebounds 10 assists to lead the Hornets over Boston, 91-87, at TD Banknorth Garden. The Hornets snapped a four-game series losing streak with the victory.

Boston has won two straight after losing its last three at the Hornets.

The Hornets trail the Golden State Warriors by two games for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City returns home after going 1-1 on a two-game road trip. On Saturday, Gilbert Arenas scored 30 points and dished out 11 assists to lead the Washington Wizards to a 125-103 rout of the Hornets at the Verizon Center.

Paul scored 21 points and dished out eight assists in the loss to Washington, while David West registered 17 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who have dropped seven of their last eight games overall.

The Hornets are 19-13 as the host this season. They will visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at the FedExForum. New Orleans/Oklahoma City is 2-1 against the Grizzlies this season.

Tyson Chandler has collected double-digits in rebounds in three straight and 24 of 25 outings. The 7-1 Chandler is averaging 8.9 points and a team- best 12.4 rebounds in 64 contests this season.

The Hornets are scheduled to host nine of their final 16 games. They will visit Memphis, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Houston, Sacramento and the Clippers in their final road contests of the season.