(Sports Network) - Southwest Division rivals heading in opposite directions meet in south Texas Wednesday when the stumbling Houston Rockets play host to the undefeated New Orleans Hornets.
The Rockets fell to 0-3 on the young campaign on Saturday when Al Harrington notched 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench and Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points, as the Denver Nuggets pulled away late for a 107-94 victory in Houston's home opener.
Luis Scola put up 28 points and 10 boards, and Kevin Martin added 21 points in a losing cause, as the Rockets fell to 0-3 for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign, when they lost their first five games.
"Offensively we played well, but down the stretch their guards hit big shots," Scola said.
The Hornets, meanwhile, improved to 3-0 on Saturday when Chris Paul finished with 25 points to lead New Orleans over the San Antonio Spurs, 99-90, at AT&T Center.
David West ended with 18 points on 9-of-17 from the field for the Hornets. Marcus Thornton and Willie Green had 17 and 12 points, respectively, in reserve roles.
Paul, who missed 37 games last season with ankle and knee issues, went a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line, and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. He also had seven rebounds and five assists.
"It feels so good to play basketball again," said Paul. "Just to be out there again and playing is so exciting. This is what I do and until you get injured you take it for granted."
New Orleans won three of its four meetings with the Rockets last season even though Paul missed the last two contests. West made the difference, however, averaging 39.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in his two trips to the Toyota Center.
Be sure to follow the game live on The Dream Shake.