Who: <font color="teal">New Orleans Hornets</font> and <font color="red">New Jersey Nets</font> Where: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana When: Monday, February 2nd, 2004 Time: 7:00 pm central time, 8:00 pm eastern time TV: CST, NBALP <u>Records:</u> <font color="teal">Hornets (26-21, 3rd in Central Division)</font> <font color="red">Nets (25-20, 1st in Atlantic Division)</font> <u>Streaks:</u> <font color="teal">Hornets(lost 2)</font> <font color="red">Nets(won 4)</font> <u>Last 10:</u> <font color="teal">Hornets(4-6)</font> <font color="red">Nets(5-5)</font> Probable Starters: <font color="teal">Hornets</font> <font color="red">Nets</font> pg - SG - SF - PF - C - Key Matchups Baron is coming off of an injury that caused him to miss the Hornets' last game, and technically might not even suit up for the game. But if he's there, he's been playing better than Kidd all season, so look for that to continue tonight. This season, Baron has been the better point guard than Jason, and Jason's got to elevate his game to match the young Bug. If he can D up and limit Davis' impact, the Nets will have more of a chance. If not, look for a definite Hornets' advantage. Although fresh off an injury himself, Mashburn has been playing like his all-star self, and is already averaging over 20 ppg. Jefferson is having a solid year too, and his athletic ability could create some matchup problems for Mashburn, who may not have his full wind back. Otherwise, this matchup should go in the way of the Hornets, and give them another strong advantage. Injuries Hornets: David Wesley, Courtney Alexander, Bryce Drew Nets: Eddie Griffin, Tamar Slay Last Games New Orleans: The Bugs were beaten by the Miami Heat, though they were missing Baron Davis. Still, could he have made up a 20+ point deficit? New Jersey: The Nets downed the Houston Rockets by eleven points. Keys to the Game Hornets - Keep a lid on Jason Kidd. If Baron Davis is playing, this shouldn't be too hard, but if Darrell Armstrong has to match up with him, it could mean problems one way or another. - Double up on KMart in the post. Jason Collins isn't much of a threat either way, and Jamaal Magloire should be able to toy with the guy. On the other hand, P.J. Brown will have his hands full with the aggressive and physical Martin, so Magloire should come over and give some much needed help throughout the game. This should help keep Martin in check, and will force guys like Kittles, Harris and Kidd to take more shots, which doesn't necessarily translate to more points. - Keep a hand in the face of Kittles and Harris. The Nets' only real outside threats, Armstrong will have his hands full trying to match their quick slashing. Floyd may have to bring in Stacey Augmon to match up against these guys. A positive in that is that their combined abysmal defense should allow Augmon to at least make a couple shots. Nets - Watch Baron. Baron is a triple threat, a guy who can do the classic shot from outside, drive to the inside, or create for his teammates. The Nets have a great defensive point in Kidd, but he's getting too slow for Baron, so they'll need to put some additional help on the guy. And now Baron can come off screens and catch passes from Jamal Mashburn, which makes him that much more dangerous. - Challenge the Hornets on the boards. The Hornets will own the boards if given the chance, but when teams challenge them they don't rebound nearly as well. Team Leaders <font color="teal">Hornets</font> Scoring: Baron Davis(23.3), Jamal Mashburn(20.7) Rebounds: Jamaal Magloire(9.3), P.J. Brown(9) Assists: Baron Davis(7.9), Darrell Armstrong(3.6) Steals: Baron Davis(2.40) Darrell Armstrong(2.06) Blocks: Jamaal Magloire(1.23), P.J. Brown(.77) <font color="red">Nets</font> Scoring: Kenyon Martin(17.6), Jason Kidd(17.1) Rebounds: Kenyon Martin(9.7), Jason Kidd(6.4) Assists: Jason Kidd(7.2), Richard Jefferson(3.3) Steals: Kerry Kittles(1.76), Jason Kidd(1.7) Blocks: Kenyon Martin(1.29), Jason Collins(.77) Starman's Prediction This is an excellent preview of what we could be seeing in this year's Eastern Conference Finals or Semi-Finals. Its also a rematch of the 2nd round from two years ago, when the Hornets were still based out of Charlotte, though both teams are different than that year. Both teams are missing that year's starting center, and the Nets are missing Keith Van Horn, whereas the Hornets added Darrell Armstrong but are missing David Wesley, who's out with an injury. Based on the lineups, and the impact that this could have on the playoffs, I think that both teams will come out blazing, but the Nets will find that they're finally over the hill in terms of competitive fire. The Hornets win the matchup at small forward and center by considerable margins, are even at the 2 guard position, and have a slight edge at the point. The only spot that the Nets have a clear ad at is the 4, and as I already said, this could be minimalized by Jamaal Magloire coming to double team. I think the Nets will be frustrated down low, and be beaten on the boards. In the end, it'll be the Hornets by 5. Hornets 87, Nets 82
Great post, preview and analysis as always Chris. I really think you guys will take this one too. You guys simply have the girth and power to do so. They have K-Mart and Kidd, that's about it for the rebounding end. Even people as tall as Rodgers and Collins don't do it that well. Having Mash help B Dizzle carry the load is just as well a factor too. They'll be scoring plenty on them. I just hope K-Mart's attitude doesn't screw anything up or cause any problems. Magloire and Brown look like they'll be handling the boards this evening. Good luck Hornets and Nets. Hornets by 5 in a difficult win.
This is goign down to the wire. Both teams are just so good. I want to say one but then I want to say another. I flipped a coin and it landed on the Nets by 2. It's going to be a close one though. The real winner will be the first team that can get a stop IMO
The Nets are playing like they should be, and so is Mash. This will be a tough one to bet on. However, since the Hornets have the support of their home floor, I'll say New Orleans by 3 in OT.
