Charlotte Hornets: Meet The Enemy
By Josh Wilson
We all know the Charlotte Hornets are on the verge of making the playoffs. Every move they make contributes to a tower of sorts. An analogy could be made to the game of Jenga. One bad piece is pulled, and the whole tower could come tumbling down. Somehow, it does seem like the team keeps pulling questionable pieces, but their tower doesn’t fall. We’re all wondering when their luck will end.
They lose games that they should win, all the time. Although they’ve gone on spurts of winning games, losing is no stranger to them. This week, scoring just 66 points in a single game has been of their lowest of lows.
It’s incredibly important that the Hornets know exactly what they’re up against in making the playoffs. As fans, it’s important that we have an idea as well. So, here is a quick overview of the four teams that will be challenging the Hornets for the final playoff spots, down the wire.
Milwaukee Bucks
At just a .500 record currently, the Bucks have been struggling a lot lately. As the All Star break came and went this year, it was looking like the Bucks had a decent lock on the sixth seed. Now, however, it appears that this may not be the case. They’ve lost four in a row, and in their last 10 games, they’re just 2-8.
They do have a handful of tough games left. They have to play the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, and the top two teams in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors. For the most part, their schedule features winnable games. The Bucks will likely make the playoffs, but may slip to seventh or eighth.
Taking advantage of the Bucks losing streak is something the Hornets must do. However, it’s also something that the other teams fighting for the playoffs, have thought of as well. They’re all hoping that the can get the Bucks current spot.
Miami Heat
As it stands, Miami is a game and a half ahead of Charlotte. They’ve been playing well lately, but in the last 10 games, their record identical to the Hornets (6-4). The emergence of Hassan Whiteside has been huge for the Heat, and it appears that Dwyane Wade really wants to push for a last playoff run as his career comes closer and closer to an end.
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The Hornets meet with the Heat in early April, so that game will be huge for both teams. The way the Heat are playing, they clearly have a great thing going, shown by their big win over the Trailblazers. They sport a versatile roster that can be fun to watch. It looks like if anyone will steal the sixth seed from the Bucks, it will likely be Miami. I’m expecting Miami to make the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been playing well lately, too, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. The games that they’ve won, however, have been pretty easy opponents. They’ve lost a lot of the harder games. Down the stretch, they will have to play the Spurs, the Clippers, and the Cavaliers twice. In order to make the playoffs, they’re going to really have to turn on the boosters, especially in the harder games.
Right now, Boston is just half a game ahead of the Hornets. The Celtics look like they’ll make the playoffs, but if they do, they’ll probably have the eighth seed.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are tied with Boston. So, since it looks like The Hornets are two spots back from making the playoffs, they really just need to overcome one team, to overcome two. More similarly to the Celtics, they’re also 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Pacers strong defense has kept them in the talks for a while now. They’re third in the league as far as points allowed, but 24th in points per game. Their offensive struggles but defensive strengths have been very similar to those of the Hornets.
The Hornets will play the Pacers before the year is over, and it’s important that the Hornets take advantage of that game, and try to attack offensively.
The Pacers also have a huge piece of their puzzle coming back soon, Paul George George has been out since a terrible leg break occurred during Team USA’s season over the summer. George could give the Hornets a huge push as the playoffs are just around the corner.
Where do the Hornets stand?
The Hornets have things exactly where they need them. They’ve pretty much had things handed to them, being in the Eastern Conference this year, but still, have failed to take action and initiative in winning games. If they could have closed out more games this season, they could easily have the sixth seed now.
But, they haven’t. So, there’s no time like the present. The Hornets must take action now, and take advantage of their placement in the Eastern Conference. Their opponents are giving them a path to control their own destiny, and they must do so boldly.