With just four games left in the season and distractions abound, the Hornets take on the playoff-bound Bobcats at the New Orleans Arena this evening, tip off at 7 Central.
The Bobcats are 41-36 on the season, but just 11-27 on the road. They’ve won six of their last eight, but only two of those games have been away from Charlotte. Just last night the Bobcats came up with a big home win over the Hawks, 109-100. Gerald Wallace scored 28 to lead Charlotte, while Boris Diaw almost got himself a triple-double.
The only other meeting between the Hornets and Bobcats this season was back on February 6 in Charlotte; Darren Collison led the Hornets to a 105-99 win with 24 points, overcoming a 26-point night from Stephen Jackson.
Tyson Chandler did not play in that February game due to injury, but he will be playing tonight, making this his first game against the Hornets since being traded for Emeka Okafor last summer. He’s been coming off the bench lately for Charlotte, splitting time in the middle with Theo Ratliff. However, Chandler is expected to start tonight with Ratliff excused to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Tyson’s season averages are 6.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. Last night against Atlanta, he finished with 12 and 8. Should be interesting to see how much he gets up for this one.
Numbers:
Pace: Bobcats 92.8 (26th), Hornets 94.7 (17th)
Offensive Efficiency: Bobcats 101.3 (24th), Hornets 104.6 (16th)
Defensive Efficiency: Bobcats 99.9 (1st), Hornets 107.3 (22nd)
Linkage:
- Rival bloggers: Queen City Hoops (THN) | Rufus on Fire
(Many thanks to Dariusz for today’s banner featuring Darren Collison. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)