Mar 29, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) readies to drive around Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 111-102. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks locked up the second seed in the Eastern Conference Sunday with their win over the Indiana Pacers. With nothing left to accomplish for the remainder of the season, the Knicks will be treating tonight’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats as a rest day.

Carmelo Anthony, the frontrunner to win the league’s scoring title, is expected to sit out. The Knicks were already shorthanded, without Tyson Chandler, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Kenyon Martin among others. There are rumors that Rasheed Wallace could make his return to the Knicks rotation tonight, as they hope to get the veteran forward on the court before the start of the postseason.

While the Knicks have nothing to play for, the Bobcats are still searching for any type of improvement they can carry into next season. The Bobcats have lost the last five straight to the Knicks, and lost 111-102 in their trip to Madison Square Garden on March 29. Gerald Henderson, who’s struggled lately, had a career high 35 points against the Knicks that night.

With the Knicks looking to rest their legs, tonight could be the chance for the Bobcats to pick up a win against New York. The Bobcats have lost the last five games to the Knicks by an average of over 13 points.

Bismack Biyombo certainly wouldn’t mind facing the Knicks depleted frontcourt. Biyombo, who had 13 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday, is averaging double-digit rebounds this month for the first time this season. Josh McRoberts is averaging just under double-digit rebounds in his last 10 games, and came close to a triple-double against the Bucks. The Bobcats frontcourt has been one of the league’s least-productive frontcourts this season, but is starting to gain some confidence as the regular season shuts its doors.

With the Knicks resting their star player and some of their key rotation guys sitting with injuries, tonight could be a good chance for the Bobcats to pick up a win. However, as we’ve seen with the team this season, no win has really ever been a safe bet or guarantee.

Apr 1, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ekpe Udoh (13) during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Charlotte Bobcats saw the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bucks were blowing up the scoreboard at the Bradley Center. Milwaukee’s 131-102 victory over the Bobcats, was the highest scoring output for the Bucks in four seasons. It was also the second highest amount of points the Bobcats have given up this season. As the season approaches the last few laps, the Bobcats will look for redemption in the Queen City against Brandon Jennings and company.

The Bucks have already secured the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, despite being under .500. The Bucks are three games back of the Boston Celtics for the seventh playoff spot. Unless the Celtics fold in their last few games, the Bucks likely have a first round matchup against the defending champion Miami Heat. The Bucks have had an interesting season to say the least. After firing head coach Scott Skiles, the team remained in the playoff hunt and have seen improved play and chemistry from their backcourt in Jennings and Monta Ellis.

There’s no word if Jennings will play tonight in Charlotte, after missing last night’s game against Atlanta with an achilles injury. If he does miss, Ellis will get the start at lead guard, with J.J. Redick joining the starting lineup. The Bucks are a streaky three-point shooting team with Ellis, Redick and Ersan Ilyasova out on the perimeter. That’s also without mentioning Mike Dunleavy. After the Bobcats gave up another high three-point shooting night to the Bucks last night in Detroit, things could get a little worse in Charlotte.

For the Bobcats, there needs to be some resemblance of defense tonight. Yes, the end of the season is near and the Bobcats defense has been a disaster. But these are the type of games that some teams and players get up for. When a team like the Bucks drops 131 on you in regulation, players who compete with an edge come out and look to send a message in the next game. Sure, the Bucks might not care for whatever type of message the Bobcats send, but for Charlotte they need to prove something to themselves. This team has been getting punched in the mouth all season long and done nothing to retaliate. For once, I’d like to see the Bobcats rotate to shooters, communicate defensively and try to play an efficient team game. It’s the least the Bobcats could try to give the fans at Time Warner Cable Arena in these last three games.

Nov 17, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker (15) drives on Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) during the second half at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the league’s best defenses. The Charlotte Bobcats are one of the league’s worst offenses, as well one of the worst defenses. Tuesday, the Bobcats will roll into Memphis looking to pull off an upset victory over a Grizzlies squad that is 19-7 since the all-star break.

The Grizzlies are have been gelling since the all-star break and the trade of their former leading scorer Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies defense is first in opponents points per game at 89.7 and second in defensive rating. With a record of 52-25, the Grizzlies are the fifth seed in a stacked Western Conference. The Grizzlies record would be good enough for the second seed in the less-competitive Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies play smash-mouth basketball on defense. They’re anchored by the play of their all-star caliber big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, and the point guard play of Mike Conley.

The Bobcats were defeated by the Grizzlies earlier in the season 94-87. Conley led all scorers with 20 points and Randolph had 18 points and 12 rebounds. Gasol stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. The Grizzlies held the Bobcats to 37.6% shooting and scored 25 points off the Bobcats turnovers. After seeing how the Bobcats crumbled against Miami’s defense Friday, we could see a similar story Tuesday night. The Bobcats already struggle getting consistent looks, and the Grizzlies won’t make things any better for them.

Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker will again be relied on to carry the bulk of the Bobcats offense. Walker struggled last week with facilitating and shooting. He shot only 14% from three. While Walker’s three-point shooting has come and gone alot this season at a 31.8% clip, he’s a lot better than that percentage. Walker will have an interesting matchup with Conley, who statistically is also having a career year.

Henderson played well last week, and continued his post all-star surge. Individually Henderson hasn’t seen too many defenders like what he will tomorrow night in Tony Allen. Allen is a strong, athletic and physical guard who frustrates defenders with his throwback defensive ability. Allen isn’t a great scorer, but he embodies everything the Grizzlies are about. This will be the matchup to watch for tomorrow’s game.

Memphis will have a big advantage inside with Randolph and Gasol taking on the likes of Josh McRoberts, Bismack Biyombo and company. The Grizzlies bigs aren’t afraid to bang, rebound the ball well, and are a handful to deal with inside. If the Bobcats are going to have any chance to win the game, they’re going to have to match the level of the Grizzlies big men. McRoberts has done a great job of bringing some consistency in rebounding and activity to the Bobcats bigs, but it would be nice to see that spread to the rest of the frontcourt Tuesday night.

Mar 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) in the first period at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats have found a great recipe for winning at home lately. After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 88-83 Wednesday, the Bobcats have  now won five of their last six games in Time Warner Cable Arena. It’s just one less game than they’ve won on the road the entire season. Friday, the Bobcats will look to continue their winning ways at home as they host the defending champion Miami Heat.

Fans hoping to see a box-office performance in person from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will have to wait until next season. It was reported earlier today that both James and Wade are expected to sit for tomorrow’s game, as the team already has homecourt clinched throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Jeffrey Taylor, Byron Mullens and Ramon Sessions all sat out Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia. There’s no word on whether any of them will return to the lineup Friday. It’s been speculated that Mullens and Sessions could miss the remainder of the season. The Bobcats re-signing Jannero Pargo for the remainder of the season would seem to be a insurance move for losing Sessions.

Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen will also be out of the lineup for the Heat, which will leave Miami shorthanded. The attention offensively will instead be placed on Chris Bosh. Bosh has quietly had a very good season for the Heat, and is coming off consecutive 23 point games. Bosh will be a tough guard with his inside, outside scoring ability, and Miami will still have three-point shooters roaming the perimeter around him.

For the Bobcats, their home play has been defined by their scoring. In four of their last six home games the Bobcats have scored 100 points or more. Defensively, they still haven’t been great, but the play of Gerald Henderson and Kemba Walker has been enough to pull out some victories. Henderson continues to be as confident as he’s ever been as a Bobcat. He’s getting to the line, scoring consistently and living up to the potential many thought he had.

While tomorrow’s game won’t be as entertaining with James and Wade on the bench, it gives the Bobcats a better chance of picking up a win against the Heat this season. Miami still isn’t a pushover with just Bosh leading the team in scoring, so the Bobcats are going to have to continue playing as they have recently in the Queen City to pick up another win at home.

Feb 09, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) defends the dribble of Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner (12) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Bobcats 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats are having poor luck with the Philadelphia Sixers this season. This past weeekend the Sixers added another win in their column against the Bobcats with a 100-92 victory in Philadelphia. The two teams will meet one last time this season tonight in Charlotte, where the Bobcats will look for their 18th win of the season.

The Bobcats are coming off one of their worst losses of the season in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Bucks scored 131 points on the Bobcats, which is the second highest total of an opponent this season. At the beginning of the season, the Bobcats defense showed a little bit of promise and potential, but that quickly went downhill.

There doesn’t seem to be much organization, communication or effort defensively on this team, and a lot of fans are going to look at head coach Mike Dunlap for those downfalls. The Bobcats are giving up 103.5 points this season, which is the highest number in Bobcats history. Evaluating body language and post game quotes, the players are  all clearly frustrated with their defensive ineptitude and unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be many signs of it changing this late into the season.

Starting forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will presumably be back in the starting lineup. Kidd-Gilchrist returned to the team today after missing Monday’s game against the Bucks with a family matter. Kidd-Gilchrist has started 69 games for the Bobcats this season. He’s averaging 9.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and one block in 70 games.

Kidd-Gilchrist started his rookie campaign strong, averaging just under 11 points in November and December. He shot over 56% from the field in December. Since then his field goal percentage has been down and his play hasn’t been noticeable. In March he shot 49% from the field after shooting below 40% in January and February. It’d be great to see Kidd-Gilchrist have a strong finish to the season and he can get a start on it with his return to the lineup tonight.

The Sixers haven’t been a good team this year, but they’ve done enough to avoid losing to the Bobcats. Offensively, they’re one of the most challenged teams in the league. They’re 29th in scoring and 27th in offensive rating. One of the key things that sticks out is their lack of free throw attempts. The Sixers are last in the league in getting to the line and also 25th in FT% when they do arrive at the charity stripe.

There isn’t much outside shooting, as the Sixers rank 24th in three-point makes and 25th in attempts. Like the Bobcats, they’re a young team who doesn’t have an identity on offense. They thought they would have an identity this season with the acquisition of Andrew Bynum, but he’s scheduled to miss the remainder of the season without ever playing in a Philadelphia uniform.

Are the Bobcats capable of beating the Sixers? Yes. Their losses are only by 6, 11, and 8, which would seem to indicate that they can keep the games close and just play smarter. Then again, we haven’t seen much of that from Charlotte this season. If they’re going to have a chance, as always they’ll need big games from Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson, who combined for 44 points Monday against the Bucks.

They’re also going to need strong outings from Josh McRoberts and their guards on the bench in Jannero Pargo and Ben Gordon. The Bobcats have won four of their last five games at home and could look to continue that trend back home tonight in the Queen City.

Feb 09, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner (12) is defended by Charlotte Bobcats guard Ben Gordon (8) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Bobcats 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Gerald Henderson continues to light up the scoreboard for the Charlotte Bobcats. Last night in Madison Square Garden, Henderson had 35 points and seven rebounds in a 111-102 loss to the New York Knicks. Henderson is having the best stretch of his Bobcats career and is doing it primarily from the free throw line. Henderson made 88% of his 17 free throw attempts against the Knicks, while also shooting 56% from the field. Despite the loss, the Bobcats are going to need another big night from Henderson, when they travel to Philadelphia tonight to face the Sixers.

The Bobcats have lost five straight meeting to the Sixers, with their last win coming in 2011. The Sixers haven’t had a great season this year, but their style of play and personel has given the Bobcats fits over the years. Henderson has played in one game this season against the Sixers and had just 13 points in 34 minutes.

For the Sixers, Jrue Holiday has played well against Charlotte. He’s averaging 16 points and 11 assists in two meetings against the Bobcats this season. Holiday has had a breakout season in 2013 and looks like one of the league’s rising point guards. The matchup with him and Kemba Walker has always been an interesting one, but so far Walker hasn’t done well.

Walker has just 9.5 points in two games against the Sixers this season. Walker has had a rough March, though he is averaging just under 22 points in his last five games. The Walker and Henderson backcourt is probably the most reliable scoring weapon the Bobcats have right now, so they’re going to need Walker to have an efficient scoring night.

Both the Bobcats and Sixers are two young teams, that are likely looking towards the future to resolve their problems. The Sixers had a lot of expectations going into this season, but with Andrew Bynum announced to miss the entire regular season, things certainly changed. The Sixers for a good stretch of games this year haven’t been playing the basketball they did towards the end of last season.

Despite their offensive struggles, they’re scoring the ball better this month, but their defense isn’t nearly as great as it was towards last season. Head coach Doug Collins always tries to get his teams to compete, so he’ll be hoping for the Sixers to have a strong finish to their season. The Bobcats are looking to keep building off what’s been some better overall play.

Dec 5, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) drives through the defense of New York Nicks guard J.R. Smith (8) and center Tyson Chandler (6) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Knicks win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Backcourt scoring has come with ease for the Charlotte Bobcats this season. The Bobcats have led the league in backcourt points for the majority of the season, thanks to their glut of guards. Lately, Gerald Henderson has been the one carrying Charlotte’s guards.

In March, Henderson is averaging 19.1 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and shooting 47% from the field. Henderson has been getting into the paint, drawing fouls and hitting his free throws at an 86% clip. Henderson’s scoring surge has since the all-star break has been a welcome addition to the Bobcats, who’ve now won three of their last five games.

A win tonight on the road will be tough, as the Bobcats go into Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. The Bobcats again will be relying on the firepower of their backcourt. Henderson and Kemba Walker combined for 68 points in their last win over Orlando, so the confidence and ability is there.

The Knicks have won six games in a row after losing four in a row. During their win streak J.R. Smith has led the team in scoring four times. Smith, who made a game winner against the Bobcats earlier in the season, has been playing very well in March. Smith is averaging 21.6 points this month and 25.6 points on 54% shooting in his last five games. A candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, the Bobcats are going to have to zero in on Smith when he comes off the bench.

Carmelo Anthony has also been playing well since returning from injury. Anthony is averaging just above 27 points in his last five games and remains one of the more difficult players for the Bobcats to guard. In 17 career games against Charlotte, Anthony shoots just below 50% from the field, while scoring 26 points per contest. Anthony didn’t shoot the ball well in the last meeting against Charlotte, but at home, it could certainly be a different story.

Jan 6, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats will face the Detroit Pistons tonight in Charlotte, where the Bobcats will look for their third straight win. The Pistons enter tonight’s game with a ten-game losing streak. The Bobcats and Pistons have split two games this season, with the Bobcats losing the most recent game at home in February.

The Bobcats defeated the Toronto Raptors Wednesday 107-101 and Gerald Henderson continued his hot stretch of play with 21 points. Henderson is averaging 18.6 points on 45.1% shooting in March. Henderson’s confidence is at a season-high right now and he’s been showing the improvements fans have wanted to see over the course of his rookie contract.

Most impressive is Henderson’s ability to get to the line. He’s averaging just over six free throw attempts in March and making them at an 88% clip. Henderson’s becoming a much more efficient player and has given the Bobcats a formidable scoring threat in their starting backcourt.

Henderson isn’t the only former Duke Bluedevil playing well for the Bobcats right now. After getting his third double-double in five games, Josh McRoberts has proven to be a productive trade acquisition for the Bobcats.

In his last five games, McRoberts is averaging 12.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals. McRoberts has a player efficiency rating of 15.2 in 13 games with Charlotte. McRoberts all-around contributions have been a welcome addition, particularly in comparison to the sink or swim style of play from Byron Mullens.

Since beating the Bobcats last month, times have been tough for the Pistons. They’ve lost seven straight road games, with their most recent being to the Miami Heat. The Pistons have played a lot of tough opponents during their 10-game skid, and after beating the Bobcats recently, they might be a little more confident playing Charlotte than past teams. Greg Monroe remains the Pistons leading scorer and Jose Calderon is still shooting the ball well with Detroit.

The Pistons though are struggling on both sides of the ball. They’re scoring just 90.2 points in March while giving up over 107 points. They are 2-14 since the all-star break. Regardless Charlotte shouldn’t take them too lightly and should continue doing the things that have helped them win their recent games.

Mar 15, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) carries the ball as guard Gerald Henderson (9) and Charlotte Bobcats forward Josh McRoberts (11) defend during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The last time these two teams played, the Bobcats were quick to get on their connecting flight out of Toronto, as the Raptors easily defeated Charlotte 92-78.The Bobcats hope to turn the tables on the Raptors tonight as the teams square off for the final time this season.

Charlotte, coming off their fifteenth win of the season over the Washington Wizards 119-114, will look to win back-to-back games for the first time since November 21 as they play host to the Toronto Raptors, a franchise that has also struggled this season, and now finds itself with a record of 26-41.

Ironically enough, that last back-to-back win came against the Raptors, 98-97, which moved the Bobcats to 6-4 on the young season.  It was also the only time so far this season that the Cats have walked away from a matchup against Toronto with the “W”.  Toronto won the second meeting between the teams, as well, with much ease, 99-78.

While there has been little down time between meetings for these two teams, Bobcats fans can only hope that they’ll see a major difference between the team that lost to Toronto by 16 points and the team that takes the floor tonight.

For one thing, Charlotte shot a measly 33% from the field (27% from three-point land) and 69% from the free-throw line the last time the Cats played Rudy Gay and Company.  On the other side of the court, Gay and Company shot 49% from the field, with Gay shooting 11-for-16 for 28 points.

Charlotte also hopes that the time since they last saw Toronto has allowed for its new starting lineup to continue its growth together as a unit.  Josh McRoberts, who will be making his sixth start tonight since replacing Byron Mullens, was only in his third go-around with Charlotte’s starting unit.  McRoberts has posted solid numbers since joining Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Bismack Biyombo on the court for tip-off; McRoberts has averaged 10.6 ppg on 41% shooting, 7.6 rpg, and 1.6 spg over five games as a starter.

The Bobcats will have to keep both Gay and DeMar DeRozan in check on the defensive end, though, as Toronto’s two, yound, budding superstars will look to finish in the lane a lot.  Charlotte’s defense allowed the Wizards to shoot 53% the last time out.  The Cats also seemed to step aside for the Wizards big men, Nene and former Bobcat Emeka Okafor, who shot a combined 18-of-24.  While the Raptors’ rookie Jonas Valanciunas may not be the biggest offensive low-post threat, he can put up both big and efficient numbers, especially against weaker defenses.

Home court advantage has been the name of the game in this season’s Charlotte-Toronto series.  Fans can only hope that the trend continues tonight, and Charlotte can continue to win.

Nov 24, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards small forward Martell Webster (9) passes the ball as Charlotte Bobcats small forward Jeffery Taylor (44) defends during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Bobcats defeated the Wizards 108 – 106 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats are an hour away from tipping off against the Washington Wizards from Time Warner Cable Arena. The Wizards pummeled the Bobcats in the teams last meeting in Washington D.C. Trevor Ariza had 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Martell Webster had 20 points. Webster has been one of the most underrated free agent signings this season.

Making just a little over $1.7 million this season, Webster is averaging over 20 points in his last five games. He’s also shooting 51% from three and 49% from the field in that same span. After dealing with injuries in past seasons, Webster is finally healthy and has been shooting lights out all season.

The Bobcats, who struggle defending the three-point line, are going to have to be careful with him and Bradley Beal on the perimeter tonight. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will get the assignment of containing Webster’s fire from distance.

John Wall has also been on a tear lately. The former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in his last five games. Wall is starting to show why he was so highly coveted and taken #1 overall three seasons ago. Wall and Kemba Walker should be another good matchup of young point guards.

The Wizards have been showcasing a good mix of young talent and veteran players and have hit 100 points or more in three of their last five games. They’re gaining confidence as the season reaches the finish line and looking to string together wins to build on for next season.

We’ve mentioned all season how the Wizards are one of those teams that are better than their record. The team they have could certainly be a playoff team next year in what’s proven to be a weak Eastern Conference. The Bobcats have matched up well in previous meetings, but I’m not so sure they’re going to be able to handle the Wizards and how they’ve been playing lately.

The Bobcats will looking for their 15th win of the season in the Queen City after a tough two-game swing on the road against the Raptors and Celtics.