25-Star NBA Situational Slam Dunk Game of the Year - Friday!NBA (513) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS (514) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS



Take: (514) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Reason: 25-Star Situational Slam Dunk Game of the Year: Hornets.

New Orleans is a weak road team, but oh, are the Hornets tough at home (6-2) and a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS their last four home games. They have a full two days off before this one, coming home after a West Coast run. Emeka Okafor has been a force in the middle along with former All-Star David West up front, while forward Peja Stojakovic is back this game. All-Star guard Chris Paul is back at practice and could see some time, too. Minnesota (2-16) is a young team with all kinds of injury problems. Point guard Mike Conley (shoulder strain) is back but not 100%, while Timberwolves forward Kevin Love could make his season debut this weekend recovering from a fractured left hand. Young basketball teams often struggle on the road, and even the coach admits that: "Once again our youth and inexperienced was exposed," Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said after the last game. Minnesota is 3-10 ATS its last 13 games, and 3-6 ATS its last 9 at New Orleans. New Orleans is 2-0 SU/ATS its last two games as a favorite and on a strong 6-1 ATS the last 7 games, plus getting much healthier. The Hornets are 8-4 ATS the last 12 games as chalk of 11 or more points. A great spot for the fired up home team as the fans get to welcome back Paul. Play the Hornets.