National Basketball Association

Hornets F West out with stomach virus

Published Dec. 3, 2010 9:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets forward and leading scorer David West is sitting out New Orleans' home game against the New York Knicks on Friday night because of a stomach virus.

West has started all 18 of the Hornets previous games and is averaging 18.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per outing.

Jason Smith will start in West's power forward spot against the Knicks. The 7-foot Smith, now in his third NBA season, is averaging 5.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game.