The Hornets (26-23) are looking to put an end to their three-game home losing streak tonight as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Arena. Our guys will be freshly decked out in their Mardi Gras unis for the first time this season. Game tips at 7 Central.
Already down Chris Paul (who had successful surgery yesterday - yay), the Hornets will also be without Marcus Thornton tonight. Morris Peterson is expected to step into the starting shooting guard spot. Earlier today the team signed Jason Hart to a 10-day contract to provide some relief for Darren Collison at point guard.
The Sixers are 17-31 on the season, 9-15 on the road and are coming off Wednesday's overtime win against the Bulls. Andre Iguodala is a hot name in trade rumors right now, but that doesn't seem to be affecting his play (25, 8 and 8 vs. Chicago).
The Hornets played in Philadelphia on January 11, losing to the Sixers 92-96. Emeka Okafor led the Hornets with 20 and 11 in that one, while Iguodala and Elton Brand scored 18 apiece for Philly.
Numbers:
Pace: Sixers 93.7 (24th), Hornets 94.3 (20th)
Offensive Efficiency: Sixers 103.0 (20th), Hornets 104.8 (14th)
Defensive Efficiency: Sixers 105.8 (20th), Hornets 105.6 (19th)
The Sixers will be without Allen Iverson tonight due to a family illness. Willie Green will start in his place for the second straight game. Meanwhile, Samuel Dalembert didn't practice yesterday due to a sore back, but he does expect to play against the Hornets.
Linkage:
- Earlier on the blog: Darren Collison: Inside the Numbers
- Rival bloggers: Depressed Fan | Liberty Ballers | Philadunkia (THN)
(Many thanks to Dariusz for today's banner featuring Bobby Jackson. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz's designs in our Wallpapers vault.)
11 marvelous comments post your own
Niall Doherty
02/05/10 06:08 PM
Some notes from Jeff Bower's comments to the media before the game:
- Bower likes Jason Hart's NBA experience and blend of skills. Offense will be simplified even more than usual when he's in the game since he hasn't had any time to study plays.
- Not sure yet if Thornton will be available to play on the upcoming road trip (Charlotte tomorrow, Orlando on Monday).
- Tonight they'll be looking for less pick and roll, more cutting, ball reversal etc.
www.ndoherty.com #1
JCS
02/05/10 07:13 PM
@ Niall
How did they determine the surgery to be successful if CP hasn't fully recovered? I don't want him coming back prematurely a la Gilbert Arenas.
lovethegame.tumblr.com #2
LSUhornet
02/05/10 07:41 PM
@ JCS
Successful surgery just means it went as planned. No complications, surprises, etc..
Peja starting out hot. Him and Iguodala appear unable to stop each other. Mardi Gras uniforms looking good. Jason Hart playing really agressive on both sides of the floor. Pushing the tempo and getting personal on D.
#3
NO_3PC
02/05/10 08:59 PM
wow no activity here today. Dwest stinks today 3 missed FTs so far (3/6).
#4
JCS
02/05/10 09:30 PM
@NO_3PC
The Hornets are done for the season IMO. CP3 is gone for a at least a month, Peja is over the hill, and the rookies are rookies...
lovethegame.tumblr.com #5
Caleb462
02/05/10 10:07 PM
Honestly, the team just can't be expected to win too many games when CP is out, Thornton is out and the opposing team's D is keying in on D. West and forcing him into an 11 point on 12 shot night.
On to the Bobcats...
neworleansbasketball.blogspot.com #6
Caleb462
02/05/10 10:08 PM
Although Peja was solid tonight... he looked downright youthful early on in the game.
Just wanted to throw that out there.
neworleansbasketball.blogspot.com #7
Chung
02/05/10 10:10 PM
Well....
At least we got CP3 bobbleheads.
#8
ticktock6
02/05/10 10:14 PM
Wow, David West. Way to make me feel like a huge loser for pitching a fit and defending you the other day. Thanks a lot there.
hornetshype.com #9
JCS
02/05/10 10:23 PM
LMFAO @ ticktock6
Nice to see I'm not the only one who's pessimistic.
lovethegame.tumblr.com #10
notoriousBEE
02/05/10 11:26 PM
I'm trying to convince myself to just give up hope for the playoffs this year, but it's really hard to accept the disappointing reality. Things were going so well and poof........we suck. If I could somehow drastically lower my expectations, maybe I could actually enjoy watching these games. I guess if you look on the bright side, the playing time can only help the rookies and JuJu. Maybe MoPete plays well enough to make himself a little tradable next year. Argh. what a total bummer.
#11