(Best E Casino) - The New Orleans Hornets have been slipping lately, as they wrap up a three-game road trip tonight against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena.

New Orleans has lost two of its last three contests since a five-game winning streak, and now sits just a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for Western Conference supremacy. The San Antonio Spurs are just a game off the Hornets' pace in the conference standings.

The Hornets, who can still capture home-court advantage in the West playoffs, are only a game in front of both San Antonio and Houston for the top spot in the Southwest Division. In Friday's 107-104 setback to the Lakers at the Staples Center, Peja Stojakovic led the way with 24 points, while Chris Paul dished out a game-high 17 assists to go with 15 points in a losing effort.

New Orleans is 1-1 on the trip and 26-13 away from home this season. It is 4-1 over the previous five road contests.

Sacramento will continue a three-game homestand on Saturday, and is 25-14 at ARCO Arena this season. In the opener of the homestand on Friday versus Portland, John Salmons scored all 18 of his points in the second half to lead the Kings to a 103-86 victory.

Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia each tallied 16 points, while Spencer Hawes and Mikki Moore contributed 15 and 10, respectively, for the Kings. Martin left the game in the fourth quarter with a strained right knee and is questionable for tonight. Forward Ron Artest (thumb) is doubtful for Saturday.

The Kings will also host San Antonio on the current homestand.

The 2007-08 season series between the Hornets and Kings is tied at a game apiece, while New Orleans has won four of the last six meetings.

New Orleans is just 1-12 in its last 13 games at Sacramento.