Bodog Beat

Can a single foul ruin an entire season? (AP Images)

The New Orleans Hornets (30-19 SU, 21-26-2 ATS) lost 85-80 at lowly Memphis (-3.5) on Monday night; David West was suspended for that game for a flagrant-2 foul. The Hornets were already without MVP candidate Chris Paul, who’s day-to-day with a groin injury, and starting center Tyson Chandler (ankle). Every loss is critical in the tight Western Conference race.

West will be back for Wednesday night’s matchup with the Boston Celtics (42-11 SU, 29-24 ATS). But will Paul? He was listed as questionable at press time; the Hornets are now 2-2 SU and ATS without their best player. The Celtics are still stuck at 1-4 ATS in their last five, thanks in part to a bad case of the flu. Back-up guard Tony Allen tore ligaments in his thumb during Tuesday’s practice, but the C’s also have Eddie House at that position. Head over to the Bodog Sportsbook to get your NBA betting lines.