Paul Silas should know a little more than he anticipated about his Charlotte Hornets by the end of the week, though he'd probably rather learn it another way.
The Hornets opened an eight-game NBA exhibition schedule Tuesday night, defeating the New Jersey Nets 91-84 at the Meadowlands. It was the first of three they'll play this week, moving on to Boston tonight for another and then to Raleigh for a Friday meeting with the Orlando Magic.
In each game they will be without Jamal Mashburn, last season's scoring leader and their starting small forward.