The Hornets done beat the Sixers in Philly yesterday, 93-72 (recap | box | video). Aside from that blitzing performance out in LA, it was probably the Hornets best game of the season so far. They put their hosts away early, busting out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter, and never looking back. Byron Scott even had the luxury of resting his starters for the entire fourth quarter.

I'm still feeling that loss to the Spurs, though. I know it's early and there'll be plenty more opportunities to square up to the big dogs, but here was me thinking the Hornets were gonna tear teams new assholes right out of the gate this season. I really should have known better.

But hey, you know what would cheer me up? Beating the snot out of the Nets tonight in New Jersey. Yeah, that should do it. Let's get some news and notes in here…

• The New Jersey Nets. 4-2 on the season, 3-2 at home. Their four wins to date have come against teams with a combined record of 6-18.
• Vince Carter may miss this game, having sprained his ankle against Boston on Saturday. He's listed as doubtful for tonight. Byron Scott's thoughts: "If he’s not there, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easier game."

  Uh, actually Coach, it kinda does.

• As I'm sure you're aware, the Nets' usually feature the formidable threesome of Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd. Jefferson is leading the team in scoring at 26ppg, followed by Carter's 17ppg. Kidd has been scoring 9.5 and dishing 10.5 a night. Full stats for the Nets right here.
• Bostjan Nachbar still plays for these guys, averaging 9ppg this season. Who did we trade him for again? Oh that's right; Marc Jackson and Linton Johnson. That worked out well.
• Apparently Antoine Wright will start if Vince doesn't lace 'em up. This is his third year in the League but he hasn't made much noise yet. He looks nice so far this season, scoring 11.8 off the bench.

I'd like to see the Hornets coming out with some energy in this one. No repeat performance of last Wednesday in Portland, please. Methinks these Nets ain't as good as their record implies, so if Chris could throw some lobs to Tyson early and if Peja could kick Nachbar in the nuts and hit the odd triple, we could just put it on cruise control for the rest of the night and drink some tea.

There's your game plan, Byron. Take the rest of the night off.

Tip is at 6:30 Central. And I'm done.