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Sacramento,Ca – The New Orleans Hornets haven’t seen Tyson Chandler on the court in more than a month, and his days wearing teal and gold appeared to be over when he was traded last week.
After an eventful six days, however, the 7-foot center is back as a welcome addition to the Hornets’ roster.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Heat Hornets -7.5 point spread favorites for Wednesday’s game against the Kings. Current NBA Public Betting Information shows that 68% of more than 193 bets for this game have been placed on the Hornets -7.5.
Following an odd scenario in which Chandler was traded before the deal was voided, he’s expected to return from an ankle injury and play for the first time since mid-January when New Orleans visits the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.
Several Hornets were upset about the trade of Chandler to Oklahoma City on Tuesday over apparent salary-cap considerations, as he’s due to make $12 million next season. All-Star forward David West was especially critical of the deal, saying it "leaves a big question mark in the middle” for the Hornets (32-22).
However, Chandler, who’s been out since Jan. 19 with a sprained right ankle, failed his physical and the Thunder backed out of the trade Wednesday night. Oklahoma City’s decision was reportedly due to a toe injury Chandler suffered two years ago.
New Orleans’ players, meanwhile, are just glad their center isn’t going anywhere. Chandler rejoined the team Friday and is expected to be ready to play Monday.
"I’m excited to have T.C. back,” said Chris Paul, the league leader with 10.7 assists per game. "I think it will give us a huge lift. Hopefully it will bring us closer together. You know, T.C. is family to us, so there won’t be any animosity when he comes in here and he understands what’s been the goal all along.”
Chandler’s statistics are down – he’s averaging three fewer points and four fewer rebounds than last season’s 11.8 points and 11.7 boards – but coach Byron Scott attributes those decreases to nagging injuries, including a sprained left ankle.
"I don’t think it’s so much that he’s changed as a basketball player," Scott said. "I think it’s that he’s had some unfortunate circumstances.”
New Orleans will be trying to avoid a third straight loss when it visits Sacramento. After falling 115-111 in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, the Hornets lost 102-88 at Utah the next night.
They’ve dropped five of six on the road.
"We played hard and that’s what we can take from these last two games," Paul said. "We’re taking steps in the right direction. It’s not about today. It’s about getting to the playoffs and what we do then."
Sacramento (12-45) certainly won’t be heading to the postseason, and the front office made a flurry of trades prior to last week’s deadline designed to remake the team with the league’s worst record.
Four of the seven new Kings were in uniform Saturday in Dallas, most notably the defensive-minded Andres Nocioni. His presence, though, didn’t help his team improve its poor play on the defensive end, as Sacramento gave up 70 first-half points en route to a 116-95 loss.
"It was pretty tough,” said Nocioni, who had 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting. "I don’t know the plays. I haven’t had a practice. But I tried to do what I could.”
Drew Gooden, who came from Chicago with Nocioni in the deal that sent Brad Miller and John Salmons to the Bulls, could make his Kings debut Monday. He hasn’t played since Jan. 19 because of a groin injury.
Sacramento split its first two meetings with the Hornets this season, both in New Orleans. Paul averaged 27.0 points, 12.0 assists and 6.0 steals in those contests.
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Posted: 2/23/09 3:00AM ET