Tonight will be the last game of what has been a highly-entertaining road trip so far for the Hornets. Anyone expecting a blowout? Me neither.
The Warriors are 13-30 on the season, 9-11 at home. They’ve lost six of their last eight, the two wins coming against the visiting Bulls and Nets. G-State are still very much depleted, rolling with a starting lineup of Maggette, Radmanovic, Biedrins, Curry and some dude named Cartier Martin in last night’s 96-99 loss to the Kings in Sacramento.
Monta Ellis has missed the last two games with an ankle injury but hopes to be back in action tonight. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry has dropped at least 25 points in four of his last five.
The Hornets and Warriors met once already this season, in New Orleans back on December 23. The Hornets endured 35 points from Ellis but won the game 108-102 thanks to some very balance scoring (all starters in double figures and three reserves with 8+) and a dominant performance on the glass. The Warriors were also hurting back then though, having to start Anthony Randolph at center and playing just seven guys.
The Hornets are coming off Monday’s last-gasp win over the Blazers. They’re 24-20 on the season, 8-16 on the road. Chris Paul has averaged 23.5 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds in his last four games. Marcus Thornton is averaging 11 points per game on 48 percent shooting in his last ten.
Numbers:
Pace: Warriors 102.9 (1st), Hornets 94.0 (22nd)
Offensive Efficiency: Warriors 103.4 (19th), Hornets 104.6 (15th)
Defensive Efficiency: Warriors 107.5 (26th), Hornets 105.7 (19th)
Game tips at 9:30 p.m. Central.
Linkage:
- Earlier on the blog: Words on Aaron Gray | Ryan’s analysis of the trade
- Journals: Can a team build a championship contender around a point guard?
- Lagniappe: Thornton’s time to shine and the Hornets’ best lineups
- Rival bloggers: 48minutes.net | Golden State Of Mind | Warriorsworld.net (THN)
(Many thanks to Dariusz for today’s banner featuring Bryce Drew, who played 28 games for the Hornets from 2002-04 and scored a grand total of 31 points. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)