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Half-assed Preview: Suns @ Hornets
Looks like that fragile three-game winning streak will get smashed to pieces this evening when the really really good Phoenix Suns roll into Oklahoma City to take on our really really injured Hornets.
As discussed earlier, Desmond Mason is out indefinitely, while Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler are listed as doubtful. Also, Peja Stojakovic is still having trouble tying his own shoelaces, so there's a possibility that David West will be the lone true starter available for the Hornets this evening.
Awesome.
Here's some relevant news and notes…
- The Suns are coming off a disappointing 85-92 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio yesterday. They usually score 85 points in three quarters. From some AP report:
The Suns shot a season-low 38.6 percent from the field, including 2-of-11 from beyond the arc to tie their season low in 3s made. They also set a season low in assists (14) and matched a season low in field goals (32).
- I'm guessing the Suns will be looking to redeem themselves after that loss. The fact that we catch them on the second game of a back-to-back doesn't really give us any advantage. The Suns never slow down.
- On the season, the Suns are 56-19. They had won six of their eight before meeting the Spurs. They're 25-12 on the road this season.
- Darnell Mayberry tells us how great and fantastic the Suns are in today's Oklahoman. (Hey Darnell, shame about them Wizards.)
- The Hornets recalled Marcus Vinicius from the D-League yesterday. During his 12-game stint with the Tulsa 66ers, Quiznos averaged 18.1 points and 6.8 rebounds, shooting 49% from the field and 38% from deep.
- Vinicius could easily see some minutes against the Suns. As far as I can tell, the only other guys not injured right now are David West, Bobby Jackson, Rasual Butler, Jannero Pargo, Devin Brown, Linton Johnson, Marc Jackson and Brandon Bass. Methinks Marc Jackson will be somewhat useless against the Suns.
- The Hornets are 0-2 against Phoenix this season. First there was the 83-92 defeat in Arizona back in November. The Hornets managed a whopping seven assists in that one. Then just a month ago in Phoenix, David West had that spectacular brain fart, throwing what should have been the game-winning shot at Tyson Chandler's blindside. Refresh.
Tip this evening is at 7pm. The Warriors are playing the Grizzlies in Memphis, so chalk up a win for them. The Clippers are idle.
In other news, the Honeybees were knocked out of the Dance Bracket yesterday by the frickin Nuggets Dancers, who think they're oh-so superior with their cold weather and tight tops. The voting was 51% to 49%, so if you didn't vote for the Honeybees, this is all your fault and you should be ashamed of yourself.
That is all.