Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets are Looking to Complete the Improbable

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 2, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to a call in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to a call in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets looked lottery bound just a few short weeks ago but now they are right in the thick of things and looking to do the near impossible.

On March 20th, the Charlotte Hornets only had a 3% chance of making the playoffs. Two weeks later and that number is up to 20% which is the highest their postseason odds have been since March 6th. (FiveThirtyEight.com) Winning seven of their last nine, Steve Clifford’s side is right back into the Eastern Conference race for the eighth seed.

With only five games left in the season, the Hornets are one game back of the Miami Heat for the eighth seed in the East. The Chicago Bulls in the seventh seed and the Detroit Pistons in the 11th seed are only separated by three games. Charlotte right in the middle of that race but it still won’t be easy for them to get in. The Indiana Pacers in the ninth seed are also in the mix.

Even though the Hornets are only a game back of the final playoff spot, the odds still aren’t in their favor. They do not hold tie-breakers against Chicago or Detroit. Luckily, they do against Miami and by virtue of a better divisional record, the Pacers.

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This late-season push towards the playoffs would be one of the most improbable finishes to a season in recent memory for Charlotte. Although making it into the postseason isn’t as great as it sounds on paper because it will likely result in a tough first round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Boston Celtics. The Hornets are 0-7 against those two teams this season.

Despite that, just making the playoffs would still be an accomplishment for this team. Many had written off the Hornets after they went 9-25 from December 31st to March 15th. Most teams probably would’ve packed the year in and tanked but Charlotte’s never say die mentality has got them right back into the playoff picture.

The Hornets will probably have to not only win out but also have a few results go their way from the other teams fighting for a playoff spot in order for them to make the postseason. After the slow start, it was never going to be easy for Charlotte but they have somehow clawed their way back into contention. With this late fight from the team, missing out on the playoffs now would be a huge blow.

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Although the postseason push isn’t impossible, it is improbable. And the Charlotte Hornets are on the verge of doing the improbable. If they do end up making the playoffs, it would be quite the incredible feat.

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