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Struggling Hawks face undermanned Hornets

Jan 10, 2007 - 4:20 PM New Orleans (12-22) at Atlanta (10-22) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The injury-ravaged New Orleans Hornets should be glad to see the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hornets try to put an end to their five-game losing streak Wednesday when they visit the Hawks, who have lost nine of ten games.

Since starting the season with an impressive 8-3 record, the Hornets have managed a lowly 4-18 mark thereafter - including 1-6 without injured star point guard Chris Paul.

With Paul (ankle), Peja Stojakovic (back surgery) and David West (elbow) all nursing injuries, the Hornets received more bad news Tuesday when tests revealed that guard Bobby Jackson has five cracked ribs. Jackson already had missed 16 games with the same injury.

Desmond Mason scored 28 points and Tyson Chandler added 13 and 13 rebounds in Monday's 100-90 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Speedy Claxton scored 12 points and star Joe Johnson added just 10 as Atlanta dropped a 91-72 decision to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. The Hawks were held to a season-low 32 percent shooting from the field.

Atlanta has won five of its last six matchups against the Hornets.