The New Orleans Hornets’ difficult early-season schedule continues Friday evening, with the first of four matchups this season against the defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder. In their previous six games so far, the Hornets have faced just one opponent that finished below .500 in 2011-12 (Charlotte Bobcats). That stiff-competition theme will not abate much over the next few weeks, either, as 14 of New Orleans’ first 19 opponents were playoff teams last season.
In a scheduling oddity, Friday’s visit to the Crescent City is the first of two trips by the Thunder to Louisiana over a brief 15-day span. Oklahoma City will be back here on Saturday, Dec. 1. The other two Hornets-Thunder meetings this season will take place in the Sooner State, on Dec. 12 and Feb. 27. The revamped Hornets hope to produce better results against the Thunder this time, after dropping all three matchups in 2011-12, by margins of 10, 10 and eight points.
New Orleans’ ability to remain competitive early in 2012-13 despite formidable opposition has been based partly on its significantly improved depth. The bench helped spark victories over Utah, Chicago and Charlotte, with varied contributions from the likes of Ryan Anderson (average of 16.0 points), Jason Smith (16 points in 15 minutes at Chicago), Brian Roberts (16 points, 8 assists vs. Charlotte) and Roger Mason (8 points in 21 minutes at Chicago, including two three-pointers). Meanwhile, starting small forward Al-Farouq Aminu and center Robin Lopez have been among the NBA’s most improved players. After missing two games due to the concussion he sustained vs. Utah, No. 1 pick Anthony Davis posted his first career 20-10 game on Nov. 9 vs. Charlotte, compiling 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Intriguing matchup: Power forward, Anthony Davis vs. Serge Ibaka
Players on both teams may find themselves looking over their shoulders when they dare to enter the paint Friday. Ibaka and Davis rank first and fourth, respectively, in the league in blocked shots. Ibaka is averaging 3.67, while Davis swatted 2.75 per outing in his initial four appearances. Davis rejected a season-best five shots during New Orleans’ 107-99 victory vs. Charlotte.
