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Paul, struggling Hornets face defensively challenged Kings

Nov 19, 2008 - 11:24 AM Sacramento (4-8) at New Orleans (5-4) 8:00 p.m. EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets look to bounce back from their worst offensive showing of the season on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings.

Sparked by Paul, the Hornets averaged 106.7 points in winning their first three games. Since then, New Orleans is averaging just 87.2 points.

Paul, who began the season with a NBA record seven straight games of at least 20 points and 10 assists, struggled in a 91-82 loss to Houston on Saturday. The fourth-year point guard was held to a season-low 12 points on 2-of-10 from the floor.

His teammates were no better as the Hornets shot a season-low 40.8 percent from the field.

New Orleans will try to get back on track against the Kings, whom they have beaten six straight times here.

Sacramento is dealing with its own problems. The Kings dropped a third straight, 109-94, to Memphis on Tuesday. Sacramento, which is 1-5 on the road, is allowing 103.6 points per game - the fourth worst mark in the league.

The Kings have not beaten New Orleans on the road since December 1, 2004.