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Sixers close out road trip vs. Hornets

Jan 4, 2012 - 3:59 PM (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia 76ers eye back-to-back wins this evening when they close out a five-game road trip to start the year against the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena.

The Sixers have been one of the league's top shooting teams early on and that was evident on Saturday in Golden State, as Lou Williams scored 23 points to pace five double-digit scorers for in a 107-79 rout of the Warriors.

Thaddeus Young had 18, Andre Iguodala and Spencer Hawes each netted 14, and Jrue Holiday contributed 12 for the 76ers, who made 11-of-20 three-pointers on the way to their second win in three games.

"There's moments in a coach's life when they really feel good about things and today was one of those days," said Philly coach Doug Collins.

As a team the Sixers are making 48.3 percent of their shots - including 43.5 percent (30-for-69) from beyond the arc.

Starting with tonight's game, the Sixers will play eight games in 11 days, including Friday's long-awaited home opener with the Detroit Pistons. Although Philadelphia is the last team to open the home portion of its schedule, 18 of its next 22 will be at home.

New Orleans, meanwhile, has dropped three in a row after opening the year with consecutive wins. On Monday, the Hornets were stung by Utah, falling 94-90 to wrap up a brief two-game road trip.

Jarrett Jack recorded game-highs of 27 points and 11 assists in a losing effort, while Jason Smith, Chris Kaman and Al-Farouq Aminu combined to score 41 points off the bench for the Hornets, who will host Denver on Friday.

"We just had some things that didn't go our way. Some shots we normally make, or we would like to have, didn't bounce down for us," said Jack.

Injuries have been a problem for the Hornets, who were without newcomer Eric Gordon for the fourth straight game on Monday. Also, Trevor Ariza was forced to leave that contest with a strained groin. Both are questionable for tonight's affair.

"It?s feeling a lot better," said Gordon, adding "it?s a good possibility (he could play tonight). I was trying to get my wind up, stay in shape, trying to get ready for some time this week. I'm just getting (back) into things. (Monday) was my first contact day. Other than that, I've just been doing a little bit of workouts."

Philadelphia has won two of the last three meetings in this series, but have lost six of eight and seven of 10 to the Hornets on the road since the team relocated to New Orleans in 2002.