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Hornets looking to get back on track against Suns

Feb 6, 2008 - 3:10 PM New Orleans (32-15) at Phoenix (34-14) 9:00 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) - The New Orleans Hornets have been in a free fall since completing a nine-game win streak.

The Hornets look to get back on track Wednesday when they visit the Phoenix Suns.

New Orleans has lost three straight games, including a dismal 110-88 setback to the Utah Jazz on Monday, after winning each of its previous nine games.

The Hornets, who are allowing just 93.7 points per game this season - fifth best in the NBA - have surrendered over 110 points in each game during their recent slide. New Orleans hadn't given up more than 100 points in any contest over their previous win streak.

The Hornets will have to step up on defense if they are going to beat the Suns, who are second in the league, averaging 109.4 points per game.

Phoenix is coming off a 118-104 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday - its fourth win in its last five games.

Leandro Barbosa poured in 19 of his 30 points in the first quarter as the Suns improved to 20-2 this season against Eastern Conference foes and remained undefeated (8-0) all-time against the Bobcats.

The Suns will likely be without Shawn Marion on Wednesday as several sources have reported that the 29-year-old swingman will be traded along with point guard Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal.