Wizards, Hornets collide in the Big Easy

Either the Washington Wizards or the New Orleans Hornets will end a losing streak on Tuesday night when the two teams meet in the Big Easy.

The Wizards have dropped two in a row since their upset of the defending champion Miami Heat one week ago Tuesday. They lost in Atlanta and fell at home to the Golden State Warriors 101-97 on Saturday.

In that setback, the Wiz lost starting point guard A.J. Price in the first quarter with a fractured right hand. He is out of the lineup and Price was only the starter because John Wall is still on the shelf with a knee injury.

In Price's absence, Shaun Livingston is expected to get the start, but Washington is considering all options.

"We're looking at different scenarios," acknowledged head coach Randy Wittman. "We haven't done anything, don't know when, or if, we will do anything, but we're looking at different options, different people."

Wittman conceded that they brought some players in as possible replacements.

Against the Warriors, the Wizards were done in by a poor first quarter. Washington lost the opening frame 28-21 and ultimately fell by four. The Wizards only committed eight turnovers and were led by 22 from Jordan Crawford off the bench.

The Hornets have dropped three in a row, including a Saturday loss to the Heat by a 106-90 score. The three losses came at the expense of very good NBA Championship contenders, the Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Hornets struggled in the second quarter against the Heat. Miami out-paced New Orleans 33-15 before the half and that proved to be enough.

"There was bad stuff in both quarters to start the game defensively," said head coach Monty Williams. "The first half, I think our young guys were in awe and that's natural."

Ryan Anderson once again led the way for the Hornets with 24 points on 4-for-6 shooting from the 3-point line. Robin Lopez added 20 points and eight rebounds.

The Hornets allowed over 100 points for the third time in the last five games. The poor defensive performance has forced Williams to make some decisions.

"We should get some help when we get Anthony Davis back sometime next week and I may have to make another change," Williams said. "Because our guards aren't guarding the ball defensively the way that we need to."

The Wizards, who play their next two away from home and are the only winless road team in the NBA, have won two of their last three in New Orleans.