New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles
Two teams that completed a four-player September trade meet for the second and final time during the 2010-11 regular season. Philadelphia struck first in the season series, handing New Orleans an 88-70 defeat in Pennsylvania on Dec. 12.
January 3, 2011 at 20:00 ET today
New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles
Over the first two months of the season, Green emerged as New Orleans’ most consistent reserve, providing several key late-game plays in victories amid an 8-0 start. The eighth-year pro – who had spent his entire NBA career in Philadelphia before coming to NOLA – also has been an important component of the Hornets’ improved defensive play. Meanwhile, third-year NBA veteran Smith is averaging career-bests in multiple categories. Smith is the only Hornets reserve big man who has been in the rotation on an every-game basis, often spelling Emeka Okafor or David West.
On the 76ers’ side of the Sept. 23 trade, Songaila and Brackins have both been used sparingly. Songaila appeared in just four of Philadelphia’s first 27 games this season, logging a total of 27 minutes. Brackins made his official NBA debut on Nov. 24 at Toronto, scoring six points in 10 minutes of action, but through mid-December, that remained the only game he’d played in so far.
Under new head coach Doug Collins – who has previously led teams in Chicago, Detroit and Washington – Philadelphia began 2010-11 in ominous fashion. The 76ers dropped to 3-13 with a loss the day after Thanksgiving. However, the 76ers reeled off eight victories in their next 11 games, including the 18-point victory over the Hornets. As a result, Philadelphia surged back into the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Over the first two months of the season, Green emerged as New Orleans’ most consistent reserve, providing several key late-game plays in victories amid an 8-0 start. The eighth-year pro – who had spent his entire NBA career in Philadelphia before coming to NOLA – also has been an important component of the Hornets’ improved defensive play. Meanwhile, third-year NBA veteran Smith is averaging career-bests in multiple categories. Smith is the only Hornets reserve big man who has been in the rotation on an every-game basis, often spelling Emeka Okafor or David West.
On the 76ers’ side of the Sept. 23 trade, Songaila and Brackins have both been used sparingly. Songaila appeared in just four of Philadelphia’s first 27 games this season, logging a total of 27 minutes. Brackins made his official NBA debut on Nov. 24 at Toronto, scoring six points in 10 minutes of action, but through mid-December, that remained the only game he’d played in so far.
Under new head coach Doug Collins – who has previously led teams in Chicago, Detroit and Washington – Philadelphia began 2010-11 in ominous fashion. The 76ers dropped to 3-13 with a loss the day after Thanksgiving. However, the 76ers reeled off eight victories in their next 11 games, including the 18-point victory over the Hornets. As a result, Philadelphia surged back into the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.