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Kings, Hornets meet in key matchup

Feb 14, 2007 - 4:41 PM Sacramento (22-28) at New Orleans (24-28) 8:00 pm EST

OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- A pair of teams looking to make playoff pushes meet Wednesday as the New Orleans Hornets entertain the Sacramento Kings.

New Orleans is in 10th place in the Western Conference standings but just one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the final playoff spot. Sacramento is 12th in the conference, two games back of the Clippers.

The Hornets had a three-game winning streak stopped with a disappointing 108-104 loss to Memphis on Tuesday. Star guard Chris Paul scored five points on 0-of-7 shooting but did hand out 10 assists.

If the Hornets are to keep pushing toward the postseason, they will need continued stellar play from forward Tyson Chandler, who is averaging 13.2 points and 19.2 rebounds in his last four games.

Despite Ron Artest scoring a season-high 39 points, including five 3-pointers, Sacramento dropped 109-104 decision in overtime at Houston on Tuesday. The Kings have lost two straight following a five-game winning streak.

The teams have split two meetings this season.