Eric Gordon expected to return Wednesday

NEW ORLEANS -- The Hornets say Eric Gordon is expected to play Wednesday night against Denver, marking his first action in three months.

The fourth-year shooting guard out of Indiana has played only two games this season because of a right knee injury.

He bruised his knee in the season opener, when he scored 20 points in a victory at Phoenix. He returned for one game Jan. 4 against Philadelphia, scoring 22 points in a loss.

After six more weeks of rehabilitation, he decided to have arthroscopic surgery on Feb. 14.

The Hornets acquired Gordon in a multi-player trade that sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hornets general manager Dell Demps has said he hopes to negotiate a long-term contract with Gordon, who'll be a restricted free agent after this season.