tiggerpolice

New Orleans hosts Atlanta in the second meeting of the 2007-08 season between the interconference foes. The Hornets posted a 92-86 victory over the Hawks during a Nov. 30 meeting in Georgia. One of the NBA’s youngest teams, Atlanta has hovered around the top eight in the Eastern Conference standings this season. The Hawks, who are attempting to reach the postseason for the first time since 1999, have not won more than 35 games in a single season in the 2000s.
Atlanta is led by two-time All-Star selection Joe Johnson, who also was a teammate of Chris Paul on the USA Basketball team in summer 2007. The Hawks also made one of their biggest in-season trades in many years by acquiring Mike Bibby from Sacramento. Bibby is the most accomplished point guard to suit up for Atlanta during this decade.

Intriguing matchup: Power forward, David West vs. Josh Smith
Two completely different styles of play will be on display when these four-men face off in the New Orleans Arena. Smith is a 6-foot-9 high-flyer and a past winner of the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend. The 235-pound southpaw has always been one of the game’s most athletic players, but he’s improved his outside touch considerably over his four pro seasons. West is much more earthbound than Smith, using his strength, footwork and positioning to score in the paint. West also possesses a deadly perimeter shot.

Hornets.com: Courtside Live Blog