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Paul, Hornets host slumping Sonics

Jan 16, 2008 - 2:34 PM Seattle (9-28) at New Orleans (25-12) 8:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) - Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets aim to continue their hot play when they host the lowly Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday.

New Orleans, which has won 10 of its last 12 games, finally has a full-time home after spending parts of two seasons in Oklahoma City following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Paul has been the driving force behind the Hornets' success. The third-year guard, who is averaging 21.7 points and 10.4 assists, scored 19 points and hit the go-ahead layup in a 87-82 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

New Orleans is off to its best 37-game start in franchise history and will look to improve that mark against a team that is in search of a new home.

Seattle, which has lost seven straight overall, is looking to relocate to Oklahoma City next season since it cannot get a new arena.

One of the bright spots for the Sonics has been the play of rookie swingman Kevin Durant. The second overall pick in June's draft, Durant is leading all rookies with an average of 19.8 points.

Durant scored 19 points in a 123-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.