15* NBA Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on New Orleans Hornets -2

Phoenix vs. New Orleans, 12/30/2011 20:00 EDT, Score: 93 - 78

Point Spread: -2/-105 New Orleans

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

The New Orleans Hornets are one of my sleeper picks in the Western Conference as far as a team with little expectations that could make the playoffs. They have proven me right in the early going, opening 2-0 with a pair of impressive wins. They beat Phoenix on the road before topping the Boston Celtics at home 97-78.

I had Phoenix being way down this season, and that certainly appears to be the case in the early going. They have opened 0-2 with back-to-back home losses. They were beaten by these same Hornets while also losing tot he Philadelphia 76ers 83-103.

Point guard Jarrett Jack did not play in the first game against Phoenix as he was serving a one-game suspension. Jack came back and scored 21 points while dishing out nine assists against Boston. "We have a lot of guys on this team that are hungry," Jack said. "A lot of guys want to prove themselves - a lot of capable guys."

The Suns are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Hornets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 Friday games. New Orleans is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The Hornets are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 home meetings with Phoenix, and 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 meetings in this series overall. They have won four straight over the Suns. Bet New Orleans Friday.