National Basketball Association

Hornets missing Ariza, Smith vs. Lakers

Published Feb. 6, 2011 12:38 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets starting small forward Trevor Ariza and fill-in starting center Jason Smith both are unavailable for New Orleans' home game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Hornets coach Monty Williams says Ariza remains day-to-day with a right ankle sprain that occurred during Wednesday night's loss at Oklahoma City.

Williams says Jason Smith is ill and the Hornets sent him home rather than risk him spreading the bug to teammates.

Williams says rookie Quincy Pondexter will start for Ariza, who is one of the Hornets' top one-on-one defenders.

The 7-foot Smith has been starting at center since Emeka Okafor strained his left oblique muscle a week ago. Williams says Aaron Gray will start against Los Angeles.