New coach, same result: Thunder lose to Paul, Hornets

Basketball Betting Lines

11/22/2008 - New Orleans, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Chris Paul recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, carrying the New Orleans Hornets to a 109-97 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and new head coach Scott Brooks.

Earlier in the day, the Thunder fired head coach P.J. Carlesimo after just 13 games and a league-worst 1-12 record. The change didn't result in a win for Brooks though, as Oklahoma City dropped its 11th straight game and was swept in the home-and-home set.

David West had 33 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who had lost two straight before beating the Thunder by 25 Friday night.

Kevin Durant scored 30 for the Thunder, who also received 17 points from Jeff Green.

Russell Westbrook's two free throws had the Thunder within 92-87 with 5:45 remaining, but the Hornets came back with an 8-2 run, capped by a West layup off an assist from Paul for a 100-89 difference with 3:08 left. The Thunder didn't threaten after that juncture.

Peja Stojakovic scored 12 and Rasual Butler ended with 10 points for the Hornets.

Chris Wilcox had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who also got 11 points from Damien Wilkins.

The visitors led 30-28 after the opening quarter but fell behind 53-48 at the half. It was 82-72 going to the fourth.

Game Notes

The Hornets have won seven straight meetings...New Orleans shot 54.1 percent from the field, while the Thunder shot 52.8 percent.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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