Who: New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers Where: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana When: Wednesday, January 21st Time: 7:00 pm, central time, 8:00 Eastern time TV: CST, NBALP Records: Hornets (23-18, 3rd in Central Division) Sixers (18-23, 4th in Atlantic Division) Streaks: Hornets(lost 1) Sixers(lost 3) Last 10: Hornets(4-6) Sixers(4-6) Probable Starters: <u>Hornets</u> PG - Baron Davis SG - Darrell Armstrong SF - George Lynch PF - P.J. Brown C - Jamaal Magloire <u>Sixers</u> PG - Eric Snow SG - Allen Iverson SF - Glenn Robinson PF - Kenny Thomas C - Derrick Coleman Key Matchups <u>Point Guard</u> Baron has continued to carry the Hornets offensively against every team they've played. So it is fitting that Philly's best defender, Eric Snow, will be matched up against him. Eric is a great on the ball defender, but Baron is one of the best post-up points, and could cause some trouble for Snow that way. <u>Shooting Guard</u> David Wesley, used to chasing Allen Iverson around, is likely going to miss this game with injury, leaving the duties to Darrell Armstrong. Look for Baron to help out Armstrong a lot, since Iverson has had some terrific scoring games against the Hornets' small guard lineup. Iverson is quick enough to shut down Armstrong on the defensive end, so this matchup will likely decide the game. Injuries Hornets: David Wesley, Courtney Alexander, Jamal Mashburn Sixers: Willie Green, Marc Jackson, Todd MacCulloch Last Games New Orleans: The Hornets were put away by Sam Cassell, Kevin Garnett, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-90. Philadelphia: The Sixers were defeated 90-81, by the Seattle Supersonics. The game was close until Ray Allen exploded in the 4th quarter. Keys to the Game <u>Hornets</u> - Play tough man to man defense on Iverson, with a help man coming over constantly to cut down driving lanes. If AI is forced to bomb away from downtown, he'll be measurably less effective than if he gets into the lane and makes plays happen through layups and freethrows. - Win the rebounding battle. Philadelphia's front court is rather slow and, with the exception of Glenn Robinson, scores most of its points in the paint, off lobs inside and offensive rebounds. If the Hornets' big men can shut down that aspect of their game, they'll basically make Iverson, Robinson and Snow beat them. - Don't give Glenn Robinson easy looks. AI can hit shots whether its easy or difficult, and the Hornets discovered in last year's playoffs that he often shoots better percentages with a hand in his face. Robinson doesn't play that way, and likes starting out easy and building up his shots. If Tim Floyd can keep either Lynch or Augmon on Robinson at all times, he'll be that much less of a factor in deciding the game. <u>Sixers</u> - 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 Sixers can't spare using Iverson to double team, since either Armstrong or Steve Smith will catch fire with open shots. Instead, they should try to use Snow to channel Davis to the sides of the lane, and meet him there with either Coleman, Thomas or Samuel Dalembert. - 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 <u>Hornets</u> Scoring: Baron Davis(23.4), David Wesley(15.5) Rebounds: P.J. Brown(9.4), Jamaal Magloire(9.2) Assists: Baron Davis(8), Darrell Armstrong(3.2) Steals: Baron Davis(2.45) Darrell Armstrong(1.98) Blocks: Jamaal Magloire(1.05), P.J. Brown(.58) <u>Sixers</u> Scoring: Allen Iverson(27.4), Glenn Robinson(17) Rebounds: Kenny Thomas(9.5), Derrick Coleman(6.1) Assists: Eric Snow(7.2), Allen Iverson(6.2) Steals: Allen Iverson(2.54), Aaron McKie(1.42) Blocks: Samuel Dalembert(1.83), Derrick Coleman(.81) Starman's Prediction However much I'd like the Hornets to win, this just won't be their game. They'll probably play extra hard due to their loss on Monday to Minnesota, but the Sixers lost on Monday too, to Seattle, and will have the same motivation, along with the incentive to break their 3 game losing streak. The Hornets have some advantage playing at home, but that won't be enough. This is basically a rematch of last year's first round playoff matchup, in which Iverson torched the Hornets. The main differences are that Mashburn won't play at all in this game, and the Sixers have added firepower in the form of Glenn Robinson. They also have additional help in Samuel Dalembert, who missed last year with injuries, to combat New Orleans' big front court. In the end, I'll have to say the Sixers will take this one. Sixers 89, Hornets 83
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[Baron Davis] will be listed as doubtful for tomorrow night's game versus Philadelphia at the New Orleans Arena. Sean Rooks (sprained right ankle) and David West (sore right knee) will also be listed as doubtful. </div> http://www.nba.com/hornets/ In light of these announcements, my above preview should be altered a tad. Look for Darrell Armstrong and Stacey Augmon to start in the backcourt, with Steve Smith coming off the bench to record big minutes. Also, the Sixers gameplan is gonna now be to just stop Magloire down low, contain Armstrong, and then just watch the Hornets jump shoot their way into oblivion. Altered prediction: Sixers 92, Hornets 76
Great Preview, I always have faith in Snow, he's been in a slump but I have a feeling he'll play very well this time around. He'll contain Baron Davis. I hope that Dalembert gets some good minutes in, he'll be great for the win. Wesley is useless he won't be that much of a threat, be sure to watch out for PJ Brown though, he contained KG. So he definitely means business.
With Davis banged up and turnovers mounting for this team, I'll predict a Sixer win. The game will be close and scrappy throughout though. If I am not mistaken, Lynch had a great game against them last time out and helped them win.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post"> If I am not mistaken, Lynch had a great game against them last time out and helped them win.</div> Yeah, Lynch always seems to get motivated to play against his former team. Lotta people forget that this was a key guy on the Sixers' run to the Finals in '01.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting starman85:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah, Lynch always seems to get motivated to play against his former team. Lotta people forget that this was a key guy on the Sixers' run to the Finals in '01.</div> Yeah seems to work with so many players, Ricky Davis, Bonzi Wells are good examples. They really need Mash back....
Well, so much for the Hornets. They lost 86-92, so I was off by 10 points on the final score. Good playing by Armstrong though. Here's the summary: http://www.justbball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12482
