Chris Paul, New Orleans’ top scorer and the league’s assists leader, missed his fourth straight game Monday, sitting out the Hornets’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies because of a strained groin.
That left the Hornets without three of their top players, including forward David West, suspended by the NBA because of a flagrant foul in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and center Tyson Chandler, who’s still recovering from a sprained left ankle.
West, who’s second on the team in scoring and rebounding was ejected for striking Timberwolves shooting guard Mike Miller in the head with 1:53 remaining in the second quarter.
By league rules, West was not at the arena Monday night and unavailable for comment.
The Grizzlies were without Rudy Gay, their second-leading scorer, who’s still recovering from a left hip flexor. Rookie forward Darrell Arthur, who has started 38 games this season missed his third game because of a family illness, and reserve point guard Kyle Lowery continues to nurse a sprained right ankle.
