NewOrleans.com Sports has learned that the New Orleans Hornets will appear on national television on Christmas Day, 2008 likely to be shown on TNT, possibly as a night game.. The Hornets will play at Orlando against the Magic in a battle of two of the league's brightest emerging stars, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.

This marks the first time in franchise history, dating back to Charlotte (1988), that the Hornets will appear on a nationally televised game on Christmas Day and it brings more credence and credibility to the team and city as a serious contender for a championship.

The NBA marketing strategy with regard to national telecasts under Commissioner David Stern has always been about the star power of its best players, featuring the likes of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O' Neal, Steve Nash, and LeBron James.

There is little doubt that Chris Paul's ascendance to the elite level in the league and his exciting style of play is the primary contributing factor in landing the game for the Hornets. Expect an official announcement soon.

Notes on the Hornets' 2008-09 regular season schedule to be released next week:

Home Opener is November 1st against Cleveland.

Hornets open on road at Golden State and then at Phoenix.

Nov. 12th at home vs Lakers

Dec. 23rd at home vs Lakers

Feb. 11th at home vs Boston

Dec. 26th at home vs Houston

Regular season finale will be a Sunday afternoon game against Dallas.