Over the first five weeks of the 2012-13 regular season, the New Orleans Hornets have played one of the NBA’s most difficult schedules, rarely going up against an opponent below .500 record-wise. The team’s rugged slate comes into focus again this weekend, because over the next 48 hours, the Hornets will face both of the NBA’s top two teams record-wise, the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. Following Friday’s difficult Southwest Division tilt vs. the Grizzlies, the Hornets will travel to South Beach for a Saturday game against the Heat.
The Hornets have already played each of the NBA’s other top five teams, dropping games to San Antonio, New York and Oklahoma City (twice).
As a fellow Southwest Division member, Memphis meets New Orleans four times annually during each 82-game campaign. The Grizzlies will return to the Crescent City to visit the Hornets on March 22, while New Orleans travels to Tennessee on Jan. 27 and March 9.
After dropping their Oct. 31 opener at the Los Angeles Clippers, the Grizzlies reeled off eight consecutive victories, including handing New York its first loss on Nov. 16. During that same lengthy winning stretch, Memphis also downed Miami 104-86 and posted one of the most impressive victories by any team early in 2012-13, a 107-97 triumph on Oklahoma City’s home floor.
The Grizzlies and Hornets share a few notable connections, with two current Hornets players having started their NBA careers in Tennessee. Greivis Vasquez and Xavier Henry were both Memphis first-round picks in 2010. Vasquez was traded to New Orleans just days prior to the abbreviated 2011-12 regular season, in exchange for reserve small forward Quincy Pondexter. Grizzlies backup point guard Jerryd Bayless is also a former Hornet, having played briefly for NOLA at the outset of 2010-11.
Intriguing matchup: Small forward, Al-Farouq Aminu vs. Rudy Gay
Two of the NBA’s most athletic players and exciting dunkers will square off in the frontcourt. Aminu was a frequent highlight producer during the Hornets’ 3-2 start to the regular season, but his high-flying opportunities have decreased recently. Aminu and New Orleans will focus on trying to slow down the dynamic Gay, who often finishes Memphis fast breaks with slams. The Hornets will need to play stingy and disciplined defense to have a chance to upset the Grizzlies.
