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Paul, Hornets aim to bounce back vs. Jazz

Nov 23, 2007 - 4:44 PM New Orleans (8-4) at Utah (9-3) 9:00 pm EST

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Ticker) -- Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets hope to get things back on track when they visit the Utah Jazz on Friday.

Despite Paul back in the starting lineup Wednesday, New Orleans dropped its second straight game - a 105-93 decision to the Indiana Pacers.

While Paul returned, Hornets center Tyson Chandler was forced to sit out after hyperextending his right knee during Monday's loss to Orlando. The 7-1 Chandler's status remained uncertain.

If Chandler is unable to suit up for this one, Utah's 1-2 duo of Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko could make it a tough evening in the post.

Boozer ranks second in the league with nine double-doubles while the versatile Kirilenko is among the leaders in blocks at 2.7 per game.

Friday's matchup will feature two of the top young point guards in Paul and Deron Williams, who was selected by Utah one slot ahead of Paul in 2005. Both rank in the top five in assists.

On Monday, Williams poured in 20 points and Boozer chipped in 17 as the Jazz snapped their two-game slide with a 102-75 thrashing of the New Jersey Nets.