Marcus Thornton and the Kings are in New Orleans tonight for the Hornets first game post-NFL.
I know, I know… It’s a home game tonight and I didn’t even put up the 3-on-3 earlier! I also haven’t announced the winners of the T-Shirt contest, or sent out prizes for last week’s trivia. Apologies to all. It’s the day after the Superbowl, two days after Krew du Vieux, and I’ve had a lot on my plate.
Tomorrow I’ll put out a big post about everything. For now, read this 3-on-3, a few random bits of Hornets knowledge heading into tonight, and watch this sweet video of the Mardi Gras Baby attacking WWL’s Bradley Handwerger. I’ll have more from the arena soon.
- Hornets forward Carl Landry went down in the third quarter of last night’s game following a collision with Detroit’s Jason Maxiell and did not return. Landry suffered a 2nd degree MCL sprain in his left knee and will be out 3-4 weeks.
- Big man Jason Smith suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of last night’s game in Detroit and is day-to-day, but will be out tonight.
- Guard Jarrett Jack, who has missed the last two games with a sore left knee, is listed as questionable, but will be out for tonight’s game.
- As a result of at least one of those injuries (I’m looking at Landry), the Hornets brought Lance Thomas back on a 10-day contract.
- The Hornets and Shell announced that they have partnered to provide Gulf South students with the Hornets Bookmobile.
1. Which matchup most favors the Kings?
Mason Ginsberg: Thornton over the black hole that is the Hornets’ shooting guard position. Being matched up against Marco/Summers, MT23 won’t have to worry much about the part of his game that caused Monty to get rid of him, and can direct most of his efforts towards scoring.
James Grayson: At the Guard positions. With Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton both available expect them to run riot over the Hornets guard rotation which features some borderline NBA players.
Joe Gerrity: The backcourt is where the biggest advantage is, but it isn’t the only one.
2. Which matchup most favors the Hornets?
Mason: The Ariza vs. Salmons matchup looks the best on paper, but I’m not overly excited about it. Salmons has struggled mightily on offense so far this season (especially recently) but both he and Trevor are solid defenders, so I don’t expect to see much offensively from either.
James: Emeka Okafor really needs to step up tonight and while it’s not a matchup that favors the Hornets, it’s one to keep your eye on.
Joe: Okafor and Kaman can really do damage to in the front court offensively. If they get DMC into foul trouble, the Hornets should thoroughly dominate this matchup.
3. Care to make some predictions about the game?
Mason: Jack, Gordon, Landry, Smith all out. This is gonna be interesting. My predictions? Ayon gets his first start as a Hornet and finishes with a double-double. Unfortunately, Thornton and Tyreke combine for 45 points and the Kings win 103-97.
James: Marcus Thornton will score over 30 points and Ayon will score in double digits as he gets his first start of his NBA career. Kings win this one by 7 points, 89-82.
Joe: Thornton’s going to go off, but it’s not going to matter. The Hornets will go right at Cousins early and often, causing foul trouble. Kaman, Okafor and Ayon will do serious damage, scoring roughly 45 points combined. The Hornets will bring home the W.
15 responses to “Game On/3-on-3: Kings @ Hornets”
Your predictions are always shockingly optimistic. I’m going with Kings 114-89. And that might be generous with Jack, Landry, and Smith out
I feel like I’ve actually been predicting losses/not predicting anything just about all of 2012 so far. This one just seems like a win to me.
Kevin love is suspended for two games for stomping on luis scola’s face. That should be two losses right there for the tumblewolves.. Hooray!!
I’m still sickened by the fact that Thornton’s not in a Hornets uniform anymore. I’m a huge fan of his and will not be disappointed if he scores 30+ to prove the Hornets made a mistake. I, however, still hope for a W for the Hornets.
Run Riot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bptSnf6PBos
Welcome to my hell.
I dont know why everybodys been so harsh on marco. He had a decent year for us last season, and obviously he’s been struggling so far this year, but hes not that bad of a backup shooting guard. Its like everybody thinks he is the reason why we suck and he doesnt even feserve to play in the nba. He’s a three point specialist, do you cant expect him to do much else. All shooters go into slumps. Just give him a chance. And btw, im not just sticking up for him just because he’s off to a great start tonight, im defending him now because more of you will see I have at least somewhat of a point now.
that was a quick/sweet move by X to get that old fashioned 3-pt play.. doesn’t seem to lack conditioning #tankstrat
We’re only out-rebounding them 27-14 with 3:40 left in the half. We need to keep margin widening if we’re going to hold them under 75.
The pressure.
For better or worse… I do miss MT5 🙁
I’m not able to watch the game.. But I’m keeping up on my phone… X4 has 8pts in 8 minutes.. Stats look SOLID!!! does his play on the court match!?
Did the 8 points in 5 shots, adding in 2 rebounds, a block, and a steal. He had 1 foul and no turnovers.
Evans is the guy in the 13 jersey, guys.
Banner boy killed the hornets….how about that!!
it hurts to look at that game day banner 🙁
Cool pic, bro…