THE STORY: Charlotte will try to gain ground on
eighth-place Indiana for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot when
it hosts Washington, the worst road team in the NBA (2-35). The Bobcats
are two games behind the Pacers with seven remaining. They have won 10
of 12 games against the Wizards, including five in a row at home.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, CSN, SportSouth
ABOUT
THE WIZARDS (19-56): In a forgettable season, the Wizards have been on a
little roll lately, winning two of three games. In a 115-107 victory
over Cleveland on Friday, Jordan Crawford had 21 points, 11 assists and
10 rebounds, joining teammate
John Wall as the first rookie teammates to record triple-doubles in the
same season. Wall missed that game after throwing a punch at Miami’s
Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Wall is five points shy of 1,000 points. The last
Washington rookie to score at least 1,000 points
was Juwan Howard who scored 1,104 points during the 1994-95 season.
Andray Blatche, in his second game after missing 10 with a shoulder
injury, matched a career best with 36 points and had a career-high 19
rebounds – including a franchise-record 16 offensive rebounds.
ABOUT
THE BOBCATS (32-43): After falling to Orlando 89-77 on Friday,
Charlotte needs every win possible just to keep pace with Indiana for
the final playoff spot. The Bobcats also face the problem of aggravating
a strained hamstring to Stephen Jackson if they push him to play when
he is not ready. The Bobcats might get back Jackson and Shaun
Livingston (bruised tailbone) Sunday. Tyrus Thomas (sore knee) is
doubtful. Charlotte is 2-6 without Jackson this season. “If he's
healthy, then absolutely I want him back,” Charlotte coach Paul Silas
said of Jackson. "But if he's not healthy, that's not going to do us
much good... I'm not sure when he'll be coming back. We're missing a lot
of guys, but to hang on with these guys as well as we did, with the
talent we have now, is remarkable, I think.” Forward Dante Cunningham
filled in admirably for Jackson, scoring a career-high 21 points against
the Magic.
WHO’S
HOT/WHO’S NOT: Washington’s JaVale McGee is averaging 19.0 points, 12.0
rebounds and 3.8 blocks in his last four games. Crawford is averaging
28.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists in his last three
games.Charlotte guard Gerald Henderson has scored in double figures in a
career-best seven straight games. Bobcats backup
point guard Garrett Temple missed all four of his shots and committed
two turnovers in 9 1/2 minutes against Orlando.
KEY STATISTIC: The Bobcats are 5-27 when failing to score more than 90 points.
SEASON
SERIES: Sunday’s game is the fourth and final meeting of the season
between the teams. The Bobcats lead the season series 2-1.
KEY INJURIES: WASHINGTON: F Trevor Booker (foot); F Josh Howard (knee); F Rashard Lewis (knee); F
Nick Young (knee); CHARLOTTE: F Stephen Jackson
(hamstring); G Shaun Livingston (tailbone); F Tyrus Thomas (knee); C Joel Przybilla (knee); C DeSagana Diop (Achilles tendon).
LAST
WORD: “I felt good. I still don't have my legs. We don't have a lot of
season left, so I might not get them back. But it was good to be out
here and getting in the flow.” – Blatche on his big game against
Cleveland