2012 NBA schedule: Suns set for two weekend games

The Phoenix Suns will be taking the court twice this weekend with matchups against the New Orleans Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Coming off their largest win of the season, the Suns' first battle will be Friday against a Hornets team that has dropped their past five games. New Orleans has allowed 100-plus points in each of their losses during that streak but it's not because of a lack of effort from Robin Lopez.

The former Sun has be a pleasant surprise in his limited minutes this season, averaging 11.2 points, 5.8 boards and 1.9 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game. Most recently, Lopez is coming off an odd game against the Pacers Wednesday in which he shot 3-for-17 from the field but still logged 21 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and two steals while going 15-for-17 from the charity strike.

After a day off, Phoenix will be getting their six-game road trip started with a visit to Philadelphia to play the 76ers. The Suns play Philly one night after they host the Oklahoma City Thunder so it's a possibility that they might be a little drained.

Goran Dragic probably wouldn't mind that scenario too much, either, as he's set to face off against white-hot point guard Jrue Holiday in a battle of promising, young ball handlers. Holiday has averaged 18.4 points and 8.6 assists in his breakout campaign but has been a bit sloppy with the ball at times (five games with six or more turnovers) so that's an area that Dragic should look to exploit.

For continued Suns coverage from SB Nation Arizona, check back in throughout the holiday weekend.