Tonight the Hornets (30-27) are on a segababa, in Milwaukee to face the Bucks. Game tips at 7 Central.

Much like the Hornets, the 27-28 Bucks are fighting for a playoff spot, and fighting real well lately with nine wins in their last twelve games. They’re 17-9 overall in Milwaukee this season and are currently riding a three-game winning streak (@Det, Cha, @Nyk), allowing opponents an average of just 80 points in those three games.

Milwaukee is playing well despite the struggles of rookie Brandon Jennings, who is averaging 10.9ppg in February and has hit less than a third of his field goals since the new year. Andrew Bogut is leading the Bucks right now, averaging 17.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4 blocks in his last five. They’re also getting a boost from John Salmons, who is averaging 17.7 points in three games since being acquired from the Bulls in a trade last week.

The Hornets last played the Bucks back in November and came away with a 102-99 win in overtime, their ninth consecutive victory against Milwaukee. The Bucks were without Bogut in that game and needed Luke Ridnour’s near-triple-double to keep it close. David West led the Hornets with 27, 10 and 5. Expect a tougher battle this time around.

As regards injuries, Chris Paul remains sidelined for the Hornets, while Milwaukee’s Michael Redd is done for the season.

Numbers:

• Pace: Bucks 95.1 (15th), Hornets 94.8 (17th)
• Offensive Efficiency: Bucks 100.8 (25th), Hornets 104.5 (14th)
• Defensive Efficiency: Bucks 101.4 (9th), Hornets 105.2 (19th)

Linkage:

• Rival bloggers: Bucksketball (THN)
  

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