This NBA season saw a rash of coaching firings, particularly in the Eastern Division.

And it may not be over yet.

Toronto's Kevin O'Neill and New Orleans's Tim Floyd could be on the chopping block, the former because of a change of general managers, and the latter because the playoff-bound Hornets haven't played well in the second half of the season.

The expected firing of O'Neill, who has done a nice job with an injury-riddled 31-48 team, is drawing criticism, especially from Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle and O'Neill are best friends, and served as best man at each other's wedding. O'Neill worked on Carlisle's staff for two seasons in Detroit.

"This franchise has proven over the last three weeks that they're undeserving of Kevin O'Neill's integrity and convictions in terms of what he stands for as a basketball man," Carlisle said before last Wednesday's 94-90 win at Toronto. "The most disappointing aspect of this situation is how it affects their players. Kevin is a guy who wants to win and is a guy who always puts the players ahead of everything else.

"When you get in a situation where ego and politics get involved and compromise your ability to win in the midst of a playoff stretch, that's got to send a mixed message to your players, and that's unfortunate."

In New Orleans, the Hornets have lost their last 12-of-13 road games, and were 39-40 before Saturday night's game at Milwaukee. They've been hurt most of the time by the absence of leading scorer Baron Davis (sprained ankle) and second-leading scorer Jamal Mashburn (knee surgery, bone bruise). The team has played all season without shooting guard Courtney Alexander, who last year averaged 7.9 points per game.

"We've got a good group of guys who, I think, continue to try to work hard every night," Floyd said. "I've worked as hard as I've ever worked in my life. If people want to point the finger, they can."