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(Sports Network) - The surprising Hornets are all alone atop the Western Conference, and will try to stay there when they open a three-game homestand this evening versus the New York Knicks at New Orleans Arena.

The Hornets, who are a half game ahead of San Antonio in the West standings and Southwest Division, will also welcome Golden State and Utah on the current homestand. They have won nine in a row at home and are 27-10 as the host.

New Orleans has won three straight overall, including Wednesday's 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat in the finale of a six-game road trip at AmericanAirlines Arena. Tyson Chandler had 20 points and 10 boards, while David West scored 22 points for the Hornets, who won for the eighth time in nine contests, and are closing in on their first playoff berth since the 2003-04 season.

MVP candidate Chris Paul contributed 14 points and 10 assists in the win. The Los Angeles Lakers are just 1 1/2 games behind the Hornets in the West.

New York will wrap up a five-game road trip on Friday, and is 7-31 away from the Big Apple this season. The Knicks are 0-4 so far on the swing and have dropped six in a row as the guest after suffering a 130-114 setback to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday at FedExForum.

Zach Randolph ended with 27 points and 10 rebounds for New York, which lost for the ninth time in 10 tries overall. Jamal Crawford had 24 points and eight assists, while David Lee added 19 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Knicks guard Quentin Richardson (head) is questionable for Friday's game.

Tonight's game between the Hornets and Knicks is the second and final meeting of the 2007-08 campaign. New Orleans posted a 100-88 triumph over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 3, as Paul registered 27 points, eight assists and three steals to lead the way.

The Hornets have won six straight, eight of 11 and 10 of the previous 14 matchups with the Knicks. New York has lost two straight after winning its last two at the Hornets.