(Sports Network) - The New Jersey Nets resume what has been a rough road trip so far with tonight's meeting against the powerful New Orleans Hornets.

After opening their five-game swing against Southwest Division foes with an 81-70 loss to defending NBA champion San Antonio on Tuesday, the Nets suffered a humbling 100-93 setback to lowly Memphis the next night.

The defeat was New Jersey's third in a row overall and further endangered the club's chances of reaching the postseason. The Nets currently occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but lead Chicago and Atlanta by only a single game.

Richard Jefferson led New Jersey with 22 points, while Devin Harris overcame a 6-for-17 shooting night to score 20 and hand out eight assists.

The Nets will be attempting to halt a four-game losing streak this evening and are just 11-18 away from the Meadowlands this season. New Jersey will also face Dallas and Houston on its trek.

The Hornets enter tonight's matchup trailing San Antonio by two games in the Southwest standings and have won four of their last five outings, including Wednesday's 116-101 triumph over Atlanta at New Orleans Arena.

Chris Paul racked up 23 points and 18 assists for New Orleans, while Peja Stojakovic drilled seven three-point baskets in a 29-point performance. Jannero Pargo added 22 points to the winning effort and Tyson Chandler had a double-double, recording 14 points and 16 rebounds.

Rookie Julian Wright contributed a career-high 13 points to help offset the absence of Hornets All-Star David West, who sat out with a sprained left ankle and is questionable to return to the lineup tonight.

Wednesday's win was the Hornets' third in a row at New Orleans Arena, where the squad has amassed a 21-10 mark this season.

New Orleans can earn a sweep of the season series with New Jersey tonight, as the Hornets were 84-82 victors at the Meadowlands in November. However, the Nets have won four straight as the visitor against the Hornets and are 7-2 in their last nine encounters with New Orleans.