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Hornets-Grizzlies Preview

Jan 30, 2010 - 6:13 AM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

New Orleans (25-20) at Memphis (25-19), 8:00 p.m. EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies have been nearly perfect over the past 2 1/2 weeks with one of their only two defeats coming at New Orleans.

There's reason to believe things will be different with a rematch at FedEx Forum, especially if Chris Paul is unable to play.

The Grizzlies look to extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 12 games Saturday night when they host a Hornets team that could be without its floor leader.

Memphis (25-20) is coming off Friday's 104-97 loss in San Antonio, which snapped a three-game winning streak. O.J. Mayo had a game-high 28 points and Zach Randolph added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies, whose immediate travel plans after the game were uncertain due to a winter storm gripping the central United States.

Despite Friday's defeat, Memphis has still won seven of nine games since Jan. 12 with the only other blemish in this span being a 113-111 loss at New Orleans on Jan. 20.

The Grizzlies led 101-91 with 5 minutes remaining, but the Hornets (25-21) came roaring back. James Posey, known more for his defense than his offense, completed the comeback with a driving layup with 1.1 seconds left.

While Posey, who has since injured his right Achilles' tendon, had the game winner, Paul led the comeback charge, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the last 4:20.

Paul leads the league with 11.2 assists per game, leads the Hornets with 20.4 points per game and was named to his third All-Star Game on Thursday, but he could sit out this contest after injuring his left leg trying to save a loose ball near the end of regulation in Friday's 108-106 overtime loss to Chicago.

Paul finished with 18 points and 12 assists but was ineffective in overtime. He had to give up the ball to Darren Collison on the final play, and the rookie point guard committed a turnover in the lane as time ran out.

"I was looking to get an easy basket," Collison said. "They did a good job of clogging the lane up, and I tried to pull up for a shot and the ball came out of my hands. There's definitely no excuse for that play."

Collison would likely move into the starting lineup if Paul, who is listed as questionable, is unable to play.

Paul missed eight games earlier this season with a left ankle injury and Collison started each, averaging 14.9 points and 6.4 assists. New Orleans went 4-4 in those contests.

Paul also missed the Hornets' last trip to Memphis on Feb. 9 with a mild groin strain, and New Orleans shot a franchise-low 29.5 percent in an 85-80 loss.

This isn't a good sign for the Hornets considering how well the Grizzlies have been playing at home.

With Randolph leading the way, Memphis has reeled off 11 consecutive victories at FedEx Forum since a 110-105 loss to Boston on Dec. 14.

Randolph, who was named an All-Star for the first time Thursday, is averaging 25.5 points and 14.8 rebounds during the home winning streak compared to his season averages of 20.9 points and 11.6 boards.