The Hornets start a four game road trip tonight in Portland, where they’ll face the Trail Blazers. New Orleans (5-17) is looking to snap a six-game losing streak.
Portland defeated the Hornets in all four of their meetings last year.
Trail Blazers’ guard Damian Lillard was named Kia NBA Western Conference rookie of the Month for October and November. Lillard led all rookies with 18.4 ppg, 5.9 apg, and 1.38 spg. His scoring average ranks him 18th in the league for points per game, and he is ranked 13th in three-pointers made (49). This past Thursday Lillard led his team to victory against the San Antonio Spurs, 98-90, when he scored a career-high 29 points.
Nicolas Batum (50) and Wesley Matthews (44) are ranked in the top 20 for three-pointers made, along with Lillard.
Hornets’ rookie Austin Rivers scored a career-high 27 points in Friday’s loss against the Timberwolves (113-102). The Bees will need his production and that of forward Ryan Anderson, who has scored in double digits for the last 8 games.
Anthony Davis has averaged 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.7 steals since returning from his ankle injury.
The teams tip off tonight at 8 p.m.
