Preview: Warriors vs Hornets

The Golden State Warriors (9-6) take on the surprising New Orleans/ Okalahoma City Hornets (6-6) tonight at 10:30EST.

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Baron Davis's old team returns tonight to take on the Warriors. He faces his former team for the first time since he's become a Warrior. Although I'm sure he's glad he's no longer a member of the Hornets, he should be fired up to show his former team that they made a mistake in trading him. Expect a big game from Boom Dizzle tonight.

Replacing Baron in the Hornets lineup is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Chris Paul. Only 12 games into his rookie season, Paul is manning the point for the Hornets with ease averaging 17 points and nearly 7 assists per game. He's going to be a special player in his career as he's showing he can contribute even with limited talent around him. The Warriors will have to slow down Paul tonight as he is their catalyst on offense.

Another member of the Hornets who's been playing well is David West. In his third year, West has started to roll. In his last 4 games, he's averaging 24 points and nearly 9 rebounds. Troy and Ike will have to help contain West.

Expect a big game from JRich as he's playing at an All-Star level and he's going up against the 2nd year player, JR Smith. JRich is too strong for Smith to guard him and JRich just knows how to score.

This is a game the Warriors should win, possibly by double digits. But the Hornets have been playing well, so they are a dangerous team.