(My Sportsbook) - The New Orleans Hornets aim to snap a two-game skid Friday when they welcome the Houston Rockets to the Big Easy. The Hornets were waxed by the streaking Magic, 88-68, on Christmas Day in Orlando behind Dwight Howard's 12 points and 15 rebounds. David West recorded 13 points and seven rebounds for the Hornets, who have dropped two straight after a four-game win streak. Chris Paul had 12 points but did not record a steal, ending his NBA-record streak at 108 consecutive games with at least one swipe. New Orleans shot a dismal 33.3 percent (28-of-84) from the field in the loss and allowed 61 first-half points, a season-high. The Rockets, who are in the midst of a four-game road swing, lost for the first time in five games Tuesday in Cleveland when LeBron James dropped 27 points with nine rebounds and five assists to lift the Cavaliers to a 99-90 triumph over Houston. Rafer Alston, who returned after missing the last four games with a strained left hamstring, had a team-high 20 points while Yao Ming posted 19 and only five boards for the Rockets. Ron Artest donated 14 for Houston. The Rockets are now 2-1 on a four-game road trip and 10-7 overall as the visitor. Houston has won three of its last four meetings with the Hornets including a 91-82 win on November 15 in South Texas. New Orleans is a solid 9-4 in the Big Easy this season. |
