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Paul, Hornets go for fourth win in five games

Mar 2, 2007 - 4:44 PM New Orleans (28-30) at Chicago (33-27) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - The New Orleans Hornets try to move into sole possession of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Winners of three of their last four games, the Hornets are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers (28-30) for the last playoff berth in the West and trail seventh-place Denver (28-28) by one game.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Paul collected 24 points and 13 assists for the Hornets in a 107-100 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Hornets center Tyson Chandler has grabbed double digit rebounds in 17 straight games, averaging 15.7 boards during the stretch.

Chicago put to an end to its two-game slide with a 113-83 victory over Golden State on Wednesday. Ben Gordon led the way with 22 points.

The Bulls are 23-8 at the United Center this season.

However, the Hornets have won in three of their last five trips to Chicago.

Luol Deng scored 21 points to lead Chicago to a 111-108 win at New Orleans on December 1. Paul paced the Hornets with 25 points and 18 assists.