Hornets-Kings Preview

4/12/2008 2:47 AM

By BRETT HUSTON
STATS Writer

The New Orleans Hornets had a chance to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the Western Conference in their latest game, but suffered a tough road loss.

Home-court advantage throughout the West playoffs, however, is still theirs for the taking.

Needing three wins to guarantee themselves the conference's best record, the Hornets will look to take the first step toward that goal on the road Saturday against the Sacramento Kings.

New Orleans (55-24) could have been traveling to Sacramento with a chance to clinch the best record in the West, but dropped its much-anticipated matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers 107-104 on Friday in a battle of the conference's two best teams.

But considering the Hornets trailed by 30 in the second quarter, they at least have something to build on as they prepare to complete the regular season with games that point guard Chris Paul has no doubt they'll win.

"I think we will win our last three games, so if that means we'll win the West, I guess so," Paul said after finishing with 15 points and 17 assists in Los Angeles.

Paul is one of the top contenders to be named NBA MVP, and the third-year guard is averaging 21.1 points and league-highs of 11.6 assists and 2.7 steals.

"It's an honor, but at the same time, I understand our team is the reason why I've had this success,'' Paul said. "The most meaningful thing to win an award like that would be for my team, because all those guys know how much they contributed toward our success."

Paul has totaled 37 points and 31 assists in two games against the Kings (37-42) this season, while center Tyson Chandler has contributed 36 points and 22 rebounds.

Peja Stojakovic has certainly benefited from the attention Paul draws once he gets in the lane. The Serbian sharpshooter - and former King - is averaging 22.0 points in his last five games while shooting 50.6 percent.

Stojakovic is third in the NBA in 3-point percentage, connecting on 45.2 percent of his attempts.

He's scored 44 points against Sacramento, making 11-of-20 from beyond the arc as the Kings and Hornets have split their first two meetings.

Stojakovic has only played once in Arco Arena since he was traded from Sacramento to Indiana during the 2005-06 team.

The Kings aren't going to make the playoffs, but they've been playing some solid basketball down the stretch. They've won five of seven after beating Portland 103-86 on Friday, their 15th home win in their last 20 games.

"It was another good win for us. We've played well at home most of the year and we've just got to continue so we can end the season strong,'' coach Reggie Theus said. "We had seven guys in double figures tonight and that's what we're looking for."

Guard Kevin Martin only had 16 on Friday, but he's averaging 26.2 points in his last 18 games. He's scored 24.0 points per game against New Orleans.

Ron Artest sat out against Portland with a sprained thumb, which has sidelined him for three of the last four games. Artest is questionable against the Hornets, but when he's played lately, he's made a big impact, averaging 23.3 points and 3.5 steals in his last six games.

John Salmons, who took Artest's place in the lineup, is averaging 17.4 points in the 38 games he's started this season.

The Kings have won seven of their last eight against New Orleans in Sacramento.