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By Andy Popp

GAME 56: Blazers (31-24) vs New Orleans Hornets (33-24)
February 16, 7:00PM, CSN
Previous match-up(s):
Saturday, November 13 2010 Blazers 87 Hornets 107
Friday, November 26 2010 Blazers 78 Hornets 97
Related: Blazers Games, Schedule,WIN Tickets

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The Blazers have one more game to go before they can enjoy a long weekend as the NBA All Star game kicks off this weekend in Los Angeles. Tonight they face the New Orleans Hornets at home.

The Blazers faced the Hornets twice early in the season, back when the Hornets were playing well (they were 8-0 and 12-3). Currently the Hornets are in a free-fall. They've dropped 8 of their last 10 against many of the bottom of the barrel NBA teams.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

The consulting surgeon for Brandon Roy says he may have only 1-2 years left in his career, even under the best case scenario.

• Wes Matthews joins Twitter. React accordingly.
• There are still a lot of Blazer trade rumors floating around. Andre Miller, Marcus Camby and Joel Pryzbilla are the names that keep coming up.
• A win tonight would make it 6 in a row for the Blazers.
• The Hornets lost to the Golden State Warriors last night 102-89.

STRATEGY
In the Blazers' early season losses to the Hornets, Chris Paul played the role of distributor (13 assists in both games) which translated to balanced scoring by their starters and key reserves. The Blazers need to turn Paul into a scorer tonight; this will leave the rest of the Hornets on an island, forcing them to create their own shots.

The Hornets on paper:
Starting five: David West, Trevor Ariza, Aaron Gray, Willie Green, Chris Paul
Off the bench: Jarrett Jack, D.J. Mbenga, Jason Smith, Marco Belinelli, Quincy Pondexter, Marcus Thornton, David Andersen

LET'S GET RICH
To date: 24-19-2
Blazers -5. After already dropping two games to the Hornets this year, I'll take them to win big tonight.

TRADE ME
Rudy Fernandez

NUMBER OF BACK TO BACKS THIS SEASON (IN SETS)
14

NEXT 5
vs Los Angeles Lakers
vs Denver
vs Atlanta
vs Houston
@ Sacramento

BOTTOM LINE
As this is the Blazers last game before the All Star break, it would be easy for either team to get caught looking ahead. Luckily the Blazers are at home and the crowd should help propel them to victory.