Eastern Conference

Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2002

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS Tenth year PF P.J. Brown is having one of his finest seasons, averaging 11.3 points on 54.3 percent shooting and 9.3 rebounds. He ranks second in the league in offensive rebounds and fourth in shooting and remains one of the best defensive forwards in the game.... The Hornets won their first 11 games at home before losing to the Clippers last week. Their homecourt record has provided a needed cushion with the team now on a seven-game, 12-day road trip, the longest road trip of the season for any Eastern Conference team.

TORONTO RAPTORS The Raptors picked SG Voshon Lenard up off the scrap heap to replace SF Lamond Murray (foot). Lenard responded, averaging 14.5 points and starting 12 games. With SG Vince Carter (knees) playing in just 10 games so far, and SF Morris Peterson running hot and cold, Lenard and PG Alvin Williams have kept the Raptors competitive.... The Raptors had missed 140 games due to injury entering last weekend. That stat has defined the season. The team has yet to dress 12 healthy players for a game.