Sixers face Hornets in New Orleans tonight

Just as the Eagles did earlier this week, the Sixers head to New Orleans in search of their offense. Unlike the Eagles, who faced a horrendous Saints defense, the Sixers will be facing one of the best defenses in the NBA.

The Sixers, who will be without Jason Richardson (ankle) and Kwame Brown (calf), have had a hard time finding the basket in their first three games, scoring an average of 85.3 points while shooting a horrendous 37.2 percent from the floor. Panic has not set in, nor has heightened concern. But you have to wonder what's going on.

"That's it (the ball just not dropping)," said Evan Turner. "That's all it is. It's not about what they do but what we do and how we do it, how we execute. We just have to worry abour ourselves right now and executing and it will make things easier on us."

Also making things easier for the Sixers will be that the Hornets also are shorthanded due to injuries. Rookies Anthony Davis (concussion) and Austin Rivers (sprained finger) will be out for the game as will guard Eric Gordon (right knee soreness).

Brown started the last game for the Sixers when they lost at home to the Knicks on Monday, but Lavoy Allen will be re-inserted in the starting lineup. Dorell Wright will start in place of Richardson.

"Monty Williams is a great coach," said Doug Collins of his coaching counterpart. "He has a tremendous pedigree. He does a great job. Every year his team plays to their strengths. They have size, (Robin) Lopez is playing great for them. They added Ryan Anderson, who we know has given us fits in the past. When Anthony Davis is healthy they have a big, strong athletic front line.

"For us, we've got to defend them. I talked to our guys about no indecision after missed field goals. That ball should be pushed on every occassion. Not looking to run any kind of set offense. I think our guys maybe started to getting into what play are they running. I want to get that ball down the floor."