The Hornets (26-23) are looking to put an end to their three-game home losing streak tonight as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Arena. Our guys will be freshly decked out in their Mardi Gras unis for the first time this season. Game tips at 7 Central.

Already down Chris Paul (who had successful surgery yesterday – yay), the Hornets will also be without Marcus Thornton tonight. Morris Peterson is expected to step into the starting shooting guard spot. Earlier today the team signed Jason Hart to a 10-day contract to provide some relief for Darren Collison at point guard.

The Sixers are 17-31 on the season, 9-15 on the road and are coming off Wednesday’s overtime win against the Bulls. Andre Iguodala is a hot name in trade rumors right now, but that doesn’t seem to be affecting his play (25, 8 and 8 vs. Chicago).

The Hornets played in Philadelphia on January 11, losing to the Sixers 92-96. Emeka Okafor led the Hornets with 20 and 11 in that one, while Iguodala and Elton Brand scored 18 apiece for Philly.

Numbers:

Pace: Sixers 93.7 (24th), Hornets 94.3 (20th)
Offensive Efficiency: Sixers 103.0 (20th), Hornets 104.8 (14th)
Defensive Efficiency: Sixers 105.8 (20th), Hornets 105.6 (19th)

The Sixers will be without Allen Iverson tonight due to a family illness. Willie Green will start in his place for the second straight game. Meanwhile, Samuel Dalembert didn’t practice yesterday due to a sore back, but he does expect to play against the Hornets.

Linkage:

• Earlier on the blog: Darren Collison: Inside the Numbers
• Rival bloggers: Depressed Fan | Liberty Ballers | Philadunkia (THN)

(Many thanks to Dariusz for today’s banner featuring Bobby Jackson. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)