Bobcats at Suns
Things continue to go horribly wrong for the Charlotte Bobcats, who attempt to end their 12-game losing streak when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Charlotte kicked off its four-game road trip in Los Angeles on Tuesday but suffered a heartbreaking 101-100 loss to the Lakers. The Hornets, who led by 18 points in the third quarter, had three opportunities in the final 5.9 seconds to jump ahead but failed each time.
Charlotte fell to 2-7 on the road and have not won since posting a double-overtime victory at Washington on Nov. 24. Phoenix is wrapping up a five-game homestand during which it has won the last three contests. After beginning the stretch with an eight-point loss to Orlando, the Suns have defeated Memphis, Utah and Sacramento by a combined 28 points.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Charlotte), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE BOBCATS (7-17): After going 7-59 last season, Charlotte needed only 12 games this campaign to match its win total. But the 12-game losing streak has dropped the Bobcats to 14-76 since the start of 2011-12. The club, which dropped its final 23 contests last season, has not won back-to-back games since capturing the final two contests of the 2010-11 campaign. Kemba Walker continues to be Charlotte's most dangerous weapon. Walker scored a team-high 28 points against the Lakers on Tuesday, putting him double figures for the 23rd time in 24 games this season.
ABOUT THE SUNS (10-15): Phoenix is 11-5 all time against the Bobcats, including a 117-110 triumph at Charlotte on Nov. 7. Prior to that victory, the Suns won by an average of 14.2 points. Phoenix has lost to Charlotte at home only twice, by an average of six points. The Suns are just three wins away from the 2,000th in franchise history. Phoenix's three-game winning streak is its longest of the season. It won four in a row only once in 2011-12. The Suns also are seeking a season-best fourth straight home victory.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Suns are 8-5 at home as opposed to 2-10 on the road.
2. Charlotte has yet to shoot 50 percent from the field this season.
3. Phoenix has scored at least 100 points in 13 of the 16 games in the all-time series.
PREDICTION: Suns 104, Bobcats 96.