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Injury-plagued Hornets host reeling Nets

Jan 21, 2009 - 11:24 AM New Jersey (19-22) at New Orleans (25-13), 8:00 p.m. EST

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets will likely be without two of their top starters when they host the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday.

With Tyson Chandler and David West expected to miss another contest, Chris Paul will be counted upon to lead New Orleans to its third straight victory and fourth in five games.

West, second on the team with 20.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, missed his first game of the season during Monday's 103-100 win over the Indiana Pacers because of back spasms.

Chandler, meanwhile, suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter. X-rays did not show any serious damage, but he is listed as doubtful for this contest.

New Jersey has lost three straight and four of five, with its only win in that span coming against the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nets, who have dropped four consecutive games on the road, fell to the Boston Celtics, 105-85, at home on Saturday.

Vince Carter, who has just 22 combined points in the last three contests, and Devin Harris were benched in the second half.