• Jackson shows old team what it misses
In his first game this season against his former teammates, Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Jackson initially struggled Wednesday night at the New Orleans Arena.

• KINGS' RANSOM
By the end of the third quarter, not one of former Hornets guard Bobby Jackson's three attempts from the field had found the bottom of the net as the Sacramento Kings were battling to scratch out a win.

• Let the good times and big events roll
You could call it a roll, but New Orleans has been on one of these before -- several times before, to be exact. You could call it impressive if the city hadn't already, in the past, been considered even more impressive when it comes to consideration for such things.

• COMING ON FAST
Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul has been surpassing records and milestones as fast as autumnal leaves fall, and each time he collects a steal in the next 12 games, he draws closer to the NBA mark for thefts in consecutive games.

• HORNETS VS. KINGS
Time/place: 7 p.m. at the New Orleans Arena (17,200). TV/radio: CST; 106.7-FM, 830-AM (Spanish)

• Hornets on edge after recent struggles
With four losses in six games, Hornets Coach Byron Scott did not expect to see his players in a good mood during Monday's practice at the Alario Center.

• Heavy minutes not a concern for N.O.'s West
Through the NBA's Saturday night schedule, eight players were averaging more minutes per game than Hornets forward David West, whose 39.1 minutes per outing has been inflated primarily because of injuries to his two main backups.

• Jackson should say N.O. no more
Let's give Lakers Coach Phil Jackson his due: He wins basketball games.

• NBA power rankings/3-pointers
3-pointers from the West

• Paul not concerned about streak ending
HOUSTON -- -- Even though Chris Paul's record streak of scoring at least 20 points and having 10 assists in seven consecutive games ended Friday night against Portland, he did not appear concerned about it.

• Rockets sizzle, Hornets fizzle
HOUSTON -- Throughout the second quarter of their meeting Saturday night with the Houston Rockets, Hornets players quietly sat on the bench. They did not have a reason to stand or cheer.

• HIGH ENERGY
When a defensive stop was needed, Hornets forward James Posey dived on the floor in front of Portland forward Travis Outlaw and snatched the ball away for a steal.

• High hopes for Oden
The analogy is right on point.

• HORNETS (5-3) AT ROCKETS (5-4)
Time: 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Houston

• 7-footers have Lakers head, shoulders above
I watched the Los Angeles Lakers win another one Wednesday night and was left with an obvious question: Who'll finish second in the Western Conference?

• Scott wants backup to get point offensively
Seven games into the season, Hornets backup point guard Mike James isn't fulfilling Coach Byron Scott's expectations.

• Hornets in over their heads against Lakers
The Hornets want to be NBA title contenders.

• It's a sign: Jackson against ads in Arena
Before Wednesday's game, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson raised the issue about the Hornets' use of Harrah's New Orleans Casino's advertising in the visiting locker room at the New Orleans Arena.

• NOT THERE YET
If you're grading the test, the Hornets didn't exactly flunk Wednesday night's big exam against the Western Conference-favorite Los Angeles Lakers.

• AN EARLY EXAM
In order to get an accurate evaluation of his team's progress, Coach Byron Scott said he needs to see how his players respond to a difficult challenge.

• DEFENSE MECHANISM
James Posey is not a Kobe stopper. He's not even sure if such a player exists.

• 'Showboat' still steamrolling competition
"Showboat."

• PEAK PERFORMANCE
As a coach, Byron Scott can afford to look ahead, has to actually, to prepare the Hornets for what they're facing this week.

• Hornets rebound from early hiccups
After two consecutive defeats, Hornets point guard Chris Paul felt a change was necessary, especially with difficult games this week against the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Houston.

• From Beyond the Arc
3-POINTERS FROM THE WEST

• Hornets
SIX-SHOOTING START

• Iverson won't shoot Pistons to top
In five seasons, the Detroit Pistons have exemplified consistency. They won 284 games and have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals each season during the span.

• NBA Power Rankings
TOP FIVE

• Paul gets Hornets back on track
Feeling the sting from Friday night's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, Chris Paul was motivated to get back to fulfilling the Hornets' lofty expectations as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

• Wade riding a wave of good play
If anyone had any doubts about whether Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade could make a successful, and complete, recovery from an injury-plagued season a year ago, the definitive proof came Friday night in San Antonio.

• Hornets see season won't be so simple
An hour before the Hornets tipped off against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Byron Scott was reviewing the 3-0 start by his basketball team, also repeating what he has been saying about a team coming off its most successful season in franchise history.

• WORKING FROM HOME
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This city's NBA team might be struggling at the box office, but tonight the Bobcats' coffers are in for a windfall.