National Basketball Association

Hornets get Okafor back; West out

Published Feb. 25, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

New Orleans leading scorer David West is out for the Hornets' game at Minnesota because of a sudden death in his family.

Coach Monty Williams said he told West to take all the time he needs. But Williams thinks the power forward will be back in time for Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets.

New Orleans did get center Emeka Okafor back in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Timberwolves. Williams said he would limit Okafor's minutes after 10 straight games missed due to a strained left hip.

Friday's game was also the Hornets debut for newly acquired power forward Carl Landry.

West is averaging 19.1 points and 7.7 rebounds.