NO signs Thomas to 10-day deal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Jeremy Pargo (1) is blocked by New Orleans Hornets' forward Lance Thomas (42) in the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, in Memphis, Tenn. The Hornets won 97-90. (AP Photo/Lance Murphey)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Hornets have signed Lance Thomas to a second 10-day contract, retaining needed depth at forward in the absence of injured regulars Carl Landry and Jason Smith.

The 6-foot-8 Thomas has appeared in seven games for the Hornets this season as a reserve, averaging two points and 2.4 rebounds.

Landry sprained his left knee in a game at Detroit on Feb. 4. Smith left the same game with a concussion. Landry is expected to remain out for about two more weeks, while it is not yet clear when Smith might return.

The 23-year-old Thomas, a former Duke standout, was in training camp with New Orleans and appeared in two regular season games before first being released Dec. 31.