Preview: Star guard Peja Stojakoic is not expected to play because of a strained left groin that has caused him to miss five of the past six games. ... The Hornets have lost three of their past five after playing four of their past five on the road. They are 9-5 on the road and have won their past three games at home, where they now are 7-5 but continue to struggle to attract crowds in their first full season back in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005. The Wolves' only road victory came in New Orleans 103-94 on Nov. 26. Marko Jaric scored 21 points and Sebastian Telfair 20 that night, the first time they played together in the same backcourt.

Player to watch: Hornets point guard Chris Paul has scored 20 or more points in nine of his past 11 games, including four 30-point performances. He had a career-high 43 points against Memphis on Dec. 7.

Injuries: Wolves guard Marko Jaric and Rashad McCants are not expected to play because of flu. Randy Foye (kneecap stress reaction) and Theo Ratliff (knee surgery) remain out indefinitely. The Hornets' Ryan Bowen (sprained left knee), Melvin Ely (fractured eye socket) and Adam Haluska (sprained ankle) are out.

JERRY ZGODA