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Hornets return to former home to face Thunder

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:27 AM New Orleans (5-5) at Oklahoma City (1-11) 9:30 p.m. EST

OKLAHOMA CITY (Ticker) -- It wasn't long ago that the New Orleans Hornets made their temporary home in the Sooner State, finding refuge from a city torn apart by Hurricane Katrina.

When the Hornets face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, they will be returning for the first time as the visiting team.

New Orleans' run in Oklahoma City was so successful that it prompted Clay Bennett, fresh off buying the Seattle SuperSonics, to move the franchise there.

Even though they won't be wearing the home team's colors, players like Chris Paul and David West, who emerged into stars wile playing their home games in Oklahoma City, should get a warm reception.

The Hornets might need to feel that love from the crowd, because they have not been playing well of late.

After posting the second-best record in the Western Conference last season, New Orleans was expected to build on that success in 2008-09. A loss to the lowly Sacramento Kings on Wednesday dropped the Hornets back to .500 for the first time since December 2006.

Paul and West have been solid as usual, but Peja Stojakovic is averaging 12.1 points per game - his lowest mark since the 1999-2000 season - and center Tyson Chandler is posting less than nine points and nine rebounds.

The Thunder could be the team to get New Orleans back on track, however, as they have dropped nine straight and are averaging a Western Conference-low 89.7 points per game.

Oklahoma City fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-88, on Wednesday.