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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix Suns prediction, Clifford takes responsibility

By Jerry Stephens

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

After an off day, the Charlotte Hornets‘ playoff chances fell from 3% to only a season-low 2% as their hopes of making it to the postseason this year are pretty much finished. (FiveThirtyEight.com) In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we preview Charlotte’s game against the Phoenix Suns while also looking at the Hornets’ head coach taking the blame and the Greensboro Swarm’s loss to the Windy City Bulls.

Hornets vs Suns prediction (SportsChatPlace.com)

"The Phoenix Suns have really been struggling lately as they’ve lost 14 of their last 15 games and they will be hoping to snap a four-game skid after falling to the Thunder by 115-87. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets could really do with a win as they’ve now lost five straight following their 125-111 home loss to the Nets."

Charlotte comes into this game as losers of their last five games with the last two coming at home. The only good news for the Hornets is that the Suns have been atrocious this season and have only won 19 games so far this year which is the second-fewest in the entire league. Still, even a win over Phoenix wouldn’t bounce them back into playoff contention so this game holds little relevance besides in the tank race.

If Charlotte wins, they’ll complete a two-game season sweep of Phoenix this year. Even with the Hornets’ recent struggles, they should win this game pretty easily. With that being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if this team has totally checked out and their lack of effort results in a loss. The pick is CHA over PHX, 118-105.

Steve Clifford takes responsibility (Twitter/ @JustinThomasNBA)

"“I’m responsible for getting these guys ready to play, and it’s not happening,” Cliff also took blame for the roster construction"

After the Hornets’ fell to the Brooklyn Nets which resulted in their fifth straight loss, Charlotte’s head coach put the blame on himself. Clifford admitted that he’s not getting the players ready to play and that he is also responsible for the squad that had been put together. While it’s good to see a coach take responsibility, I can’t help but think not all of the blame rests on him.

The players hold some, if not most, of the blame as well. They have been playing poorly as of late and they are showing little effort to turn things around. Still, if the team isn’t responding to their head coach, maybe it is time to get a new voice in the locker room and a new head coach on the sideline.

Greensboro Swarm lose to the Windy City Bulls (Gleague.NBA.com)

"The Greensboro Swarm nearly pulled off a 17-point comeback against the Windy City Bulls but the rally came up just shy in the final 60 seconds in a 105-99 defeat."

Next: Malik Monk is ready for a bigger role

The Swarm have now lost five of their last six games and still sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference ahead of only the Delaware 87ers. Despite the loss, Cat Barber had a great outing putting up a game-high 29 points in 29 minutes. Damien Wilkins added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists but also committed 10 turnovers as Greensboro couldn’t take down Tyler Harris (22 points) and the Bulls.

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