Tankable Game of the Night: Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Hornets

Every now and again, we cite a game just so rich in visions of dancing ping pong balls. Tonight, it's Hornets-Warriors.

At 7:30 p.m., it's not clear who wants it less. In one corner, you have the Golden State Warriors, they who have parted with two starters via trade and another due to injury. Golden State only gets its 2012 first-round draft pick if they receive a Top Seven selection. 

In the other corner, we have the Chris Kaman-led New Orleans Hornets. And I mean "Chris Kaman-led," as the lumbering lug was featured on GSW promotional material for tonight's game. David Stern vetoed a Chris Paul trade that would have given New Orleans a competitive team in favor of a trade that made the Hornets wretched, disgusting and worthy of a therapist's pathos. Clearly, the goal was to tank. 

The Hornets are currently the third-worst team, nipping at Washington's heels (hopefully a more pleasant experience now that Agent Zero isn't around to place secret prizes in shoes) in the loss column. The Dubs are in 10th place and need to make a move in order to secure that pick. 

So who wins—er, loses by winning? Wins by losing? I'm going with New Orleans, because they have a traitor in their midst. Kaman's in a contract year, and he cares not for Stern's long-term plans. Expect him to go beast mode against the absence of a Golden State center.

Pick: New Orleans

Prize: Golden State