Gameday: Wolves vs. New Orleans

Last update: April 8, 2008 - 10:33 PM

Preview: The Hornets are the NBA's feel-good story of the season: They've vaulted to the top of the murderous Western Conference and brought back sellout crowds to New Orleans Arena just when it looked as if basketball in the city might be a goner after Hurricane Katrina .... The Hornets had won five consecutive games before losing at home Tuesday against Utah and have secured the franchise's first playoff spot since 2003-2004. Their 54th victory on Sunday over Golden State tied a franchise record .... Former Timberwolves guard Mike James, acquired from Houston in a trading-deadline deal, has not played in six of the Hornets' past 12 games.

Player to watch: Chris Paul, the Hornets' third-year point guard and unsung MVP candidate, leads the league in assists (11.5 per game) and steals (2.69) and had delivered a double-double in 16 of 17 games entering Tuesday. His 16-point, 10-rebound, 13-assist, five-steal game was the third time in his career that he has reached a triple-double and five steals. The only active player who has done that is Jason Kidd, who has done it once.

Injuries: Wolves point guard Sebastian Telfair, who hasn't played since spraining his ankle March 7 at Sacramento, is back practicing and could return Friday at Orlando.

JERRY ZGODA