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Paul, Hornets host sliding Nets

Mar 7, 2008 - 4:22 PM New Jersey (26-35) at New Orleans (41-19) 8:00 pm EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets aim for their fifth win in six games Friday when they host the slumping New Jersey Nets.

Despite falling out of first place in the highly competitive Southwest Division, the Hornets still likely will make the playoffs for the first time since moving to the Western Conference in 2003-04.

New Orleans erupted from long range in Wednesday's 116-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, draining 15 shots from 3-point range.

Peja Stojakovic scored 29 points, making seven 3-pointers, while Paul added 23 points and 18 assists for the Hornets, who trail the San Antonio Spurs (43-17) by two games for first place in the division.

It was the third straight home win for New Orleans, who played without injured All-Star forward David West. Battling a sore left ankle, West is questionable for Friday's contest.

The Nets are in danger of missing the postseason for the first time in seven years, despite playing in the mediocre Eastern Conference.

New Jersey is 1-4 in its last five games and has lost 13 of its last 15 road contests.

The Nets faltered down the stretch Wednesday in a 100-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Richard Jefferson scored 22 points to pace New Jersey, which is just one game ahead of Atlanta and the Chicago Bulls for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.