Hornets release preseason slate

Associated Press photo by KERRY MALONEYNew Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson is flanked by draft picks Austin Rivers, left, and Anthony Davis last month. Davis was the first pick in the 2012 NBA draft Thursday night. Rivers was picked 10th. Rivers' adjustment to the NBA is beginning with his preparations for the Hornets' summer league games.

Advocate news services

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Hornets announced Thursday they will play eight preseason games before their Oct. 31 season opener vs. San Antonio.

The Hornets begin the preseason against Orlando on Oct. 7 in Mexico City.

The Hornets will play the Charlotte Bobcats in the New Orleans Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 9 and their final home preseason game be against Southwest Division rival Houston Rockets on Oct. 24.

Following the trip to Mexico, New Orleans will meet Charlotte in the next two games, showcasing former Kentucky teammates and the top two NBA draft picks, Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The first game will be at New Orleans Arena on Oct. 9, while the second will be hosted by the Bobcats in a site to be
announced next week on Oct. 11.

Monty Williams and crew then continue their road trip with contests at the Houston Rock ets (Oct. 12), Atlanta (Oct. 18) and Dallas (Oct. 22), before returning home to face Houston for the second and final home game of the preseason at New Orleans Arena on Oct. 24. The Hornets conclude the preseason in Florida with a against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the defending champion Miami Heat on Oct. 26.

Information on individual game tickets for Hornets preseason and regular season games will be released at a later date. Season tickets are available by calling (504) 525-4667 or by logging on to
Hornets.com.