Ok, so the Hornets are back in Oklahoma City for tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. After the emotional win in Denver yesterday, I'm thinking this has all the makings of a big fat depressing loss. Hoping I'm wrong.
On to the list of stuff…
- The Bucks' Michael Redd, who has missed the last 16 games with a knee injury, was supposed to be a gametime decision for today's game. However, he apparently has not made the trip to Oklahoma.
Redd is averaging 27.7ppg this season, which is like a real big number, so this is good news for the Hornets.
- These two teams have not yet met this season. They were due to play in Milwaukee on January 13th, but you'll remember that game got postponed due to shitty weather.
- The Bucks ain't been doing so well since Redd went down, losing 13 of the 16 games he's missed. They are now 19-30 on the season, putting them
firsteleventh in the Eastern Conference. They are 8-21 on the road overall, but have lost their last seven outside of Wisconsin. - The Bucks do come into this one as winners, however, having beaten Orlando on Tuesday, 116-111. Ruben Patterson (pictured above) was impressive for Milwaukee, scoring 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Three other Bucks scored 20+ also.
- The vertically-challenged Earl Boykins is now with Milwaukee, having been swapped for the facially-challenged Steve Blake about a month ago. You may remember Boykins dropping 26 points on the Hornets as a Nugget back in December. He's averaging 16.6 points and 4.7 assists as a Buck.
- Bucks honcho Terry Stotts has moved Boykins to the bench recently, preferring to start Mo Williams and Charlie Bell at the guards, and Patterson at the three spot.
- Also acquired by the Bucks in that Denver deal was one Julius Hodge. Chris Paul knows Julius well. Unfortunately, there will be no cock blocking tonight, as Hodge is unemployed as of yesterday.
- Hmm, David West might be in for a big night.
- The Bucks are like Hornets East with the injuries, man. Also out tonight are Bobby Simmons (right heel) and Dan Gadzuric (left shoulder).
- Milwaukee still have plenty of weapons though, as evidenced by the scoring spree a number of guys had in the Orlando game. Both Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut are dangerous inside, both capable of double-doubles, although Bogut has sucked the past two games (8 points, 15 rebounds, total).
In conclusion, the Hornets' opponent tonight will be a slumping, wounded team who have not won a road game outside of Charlotte in 2007. Who's nervous?
Me too.
Let's link this stuff up and get outta here. Tip tonight is at the same bat time of 7pm Central. Shizzle still on the way later.