Portland at New Orleans

Portland and New Orleans both in first place? What?!? Yes, it's true. After finishing 18 games under .500 last season, Portland is sitting at 25-16. New Orleans finished last season 39-43 but come into this contest at 28-12. The fact that this game is in New Orleans gives them a huge edge. Lost in Portland's dramatic turnaround and very good overall record is that they are pretty poor on the road, sitting at just 8-13. The Hornets are 13-7 at home. Portland's problem on the road is defense, as they allow triple figures on average. Portland won at home last month 88-76 so New Orleans has revenge motivating them here. The Hornets are 12-3 the past two seasons revenging a loss in which they were favored. Hornets for the win here.