Byron Scott went out on a limb before the season stared and stated that his #1 draft pick would be the rookie of the year. Chris Paul is leading all rookies with 17 points, 6.8 assists and two steals in 37 minutes a game. Paul is joined in the backcourt by second year player J.R. Smith. Smith is averaging 12.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per night. Having to play their games in Oklahoma City, most have written off the Hornets. After a losing streak of four straight games earlier in the season, Scott’s team was expected to repeat another dismal campaign of only 18 victories. The Hornets bounced back winning four of the next five game including victories at Minnesota, 84-80 and Seattle 105-99.

After 13 games no one would have thought that the Hornets would have six wins this early in the season. David West is coming into his at the forward position as well. West is averaging 16.2 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game. Veteran P.J. Brown is providing valuable leadership to the youngsters while pumping in 11 points and eight rebounds per game. Speedy Claxton is providing a spark off the bench with 13.2 points per game and 4.5 assists per contest. Desmond Mason came over from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade just before the season started. The Hornets are in the Southwest division, easily the toughest division in the NBA. Having The Spurs, Mavericks, Grizzlies and Rockets as division rivals will leave the Hornets as underdog on the betting line night in and night out.

With Paul as the floor general for Byron Scott’s troops, the Hornets are a live underdog on the betting line. New Orleans has a record of 7-6 against the spread. Given the right situation, the Hornets can be a very valuable selection.

Jorge Gonzalez is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Jorge_Gonzalez.htm

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