Alright folks! Charlotte is thirsty for a win to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race for the 8th seed. Not only that, they need to prove to All-Star point guard Kemba Walker that the Hornets can remain competitive while he reaches the back half of his prime.
Hornets All-Star point guard Kemba Walker is an unrestricted free agent after the season. Though Charlotte can offer Walker a five-year, $190 million contract that could go even higher if he’s named to an All-NBA team this year, the Hornets missing the playoffs with a bad salary cap situation means that Walker doesn’t really have a reason to stay if he cares about winning. Things seem like doom and gloom for the Hornets right now, unless they can make an improbable playoff run right here.
In order to retain Mr. Walker’s services, the Hornets would be best served to snatch the final playoff spot in the East. To do so, they’ll need to beat a Golden State Warriors team that is loosening up and stretching their “turning the switch on” hand in time for the playoffs. The Dubs are tied for the #1 seed in the West with Denver, a team they’ll meet Tuesday in Oracle.
If the Warriors win today, they set themselves up real nice to push Denver out of the way and retain home court advantage throughout the West playoffs. If they lose today, then they could just blow out Denver (again) Tuesday and all will be right with the world, I guess? I don’t even think about the standings with this team anymore. I just appreciate watching these superstars while we have ‘em.
WHO KNOWS WHETHER THE CHAMPS WILL TAKE THIS GAME SERIOUSLY? Tune in to find out!