New Orleans seventh on multiple rankings
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
A look at where national websites rank the Hornets (27-14) in the power polls (the majority of these rankings were released prior to Mondays 15-point victory over Philadelphia):SportingNews.com (7th, down 1 spot): The Hornets have not done better than a four-game winning streak all season. If theyre to put one together now, they'll need to beat San Antonio on the road Saturday.FoxSports.com (7th, same as previous week): Without David West and Tyson Chandler, Chris Paul has to do it all for the Hornets and, more often than not, he does. His stat line Monday against the Sixers was sick: 27 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, seven steals.Dime Magazine (7th, same as previous week): With Tyson Chandler, David West and Hilton Armstrong out (meaning Sean Marks and Melvin Ely have been starting), its been up to Chris Paul and Peja to carry the load, and they looked good in wins over the Pacers and Nets this week.ESPN.com (8th, down 1 spot): Chandler is out until the All-Star break. West is dinged up, too. And Byron Scott wasn't happy when his bigs were healthy, accusing the Hornets of fat lady syndrome ... which translates to satisfied with last year. SI.com (8th, same as previous week): Dangerous time for the Hornets. Tyson Chandler (sprained ankle) is expected to be out until after the All-Star break, David West (back spasms) has missed the last three games and second-year forward Julian Wright needed a clear-the-air meeting with coach Byron Scott to discuss his role last week. On the plus side, the Hornets play seven of their next eight games at home.NBA.com (9th, down 2 spots): "The Hornets went 2-1 without their starting frontline this week, thanks in part to Peja Stojakovic going 9-for-16 from downtown against the Pacers and Nets. David West (back spasms) could be back in the next few days, but Tyson Chandler (ankle) might be out until after the All-Star break."