Last Place Update

Welcome to this week's Last Place Update.  The 7-56 Charlotte Bobcats had an 0-fer week and have clinched the title of 2012 NBA Kings of the Cellar.  They also have three more chances to get two wins before the season ends.  They need to win all three games to beat the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers win total of 9.  Obviously, due to the lockout shortened season, the Bobcats were no real threat to Philly's record of futility and the Update did forget that little fact up to now.  I regret the error.  At this point in the '73 season, the Sixers were 5-58, having just won its first game in over a month.  After 66 games, the Sixers were 7-59.  If Charlotte loses out, they will tie that record of futility.  Hence, the Bobcats need 3 wins to beat the '73 Sixers overall win total and 1 win to beat their 66 game win total.

   The 17-46 Washington Wizards trail the Bobcats by 10 games.  The Wizards and the 20-44 New Orleans Hornets have been doing some winning as of late.  The Wizards are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have won 3 straight.  The Hornets are 6- 4 in their last 10 games and are 5-2 in their last 7 games.  The 21-43 Sacramento Kings are just off the radar, but could overtake the Hornets this week.

   This week's honorable mention goes, yet again, the the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Minnesota Timberwolves.  They are 1-9 in their last 10 games and have gone 5-20 since March 9.  They ended their losing streak against Detroit.  They have one game left and it's at home against Denver.

Next Losses

   Again, Charlotte had an 0-fer since the last update.  In this final week of the regular season, they travel to Washington DC to take on the Wizards tonight and then go south to Orlando to take on the Magic on Tuesday.  They finish their season on Wednesday at home against the New York Knicks.  If they play NBA level basketball, Charlotte could pull off wins against the Wizards and the Magic.  However, they'll probably have another 0-fer and tie the '73 Sixers for worst record after 66 games.

  Washington went 3-0 since the last update.  Way to go Wizards!  They'll try to extend their winning streak against the Bobcats at home tonight.  On Wednesday, they travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers.  They finish their season at home against the Miami Heat.  The Wizards should win one, if not two games.

  The Hornets went 2-2 since the last update.  This week, they finish the season on the road.  They go to Golden State to play the Warriors on Tuesday and their season ends in Houston when they face the Rockets on Thursday.  This one's a tough call.  New Orleans could go 2-0, 1-1 or 0-2.  They should go 1-1.

Other Thoughts

   News has come out the General Manager Mickey Loomis of the New Orleans Saints could eavesdrop on opposing coaches and has been doing this for three years.  If this is true, this would dwarf Spygate.  If Loomis did listen in, a question comes to mind.  Did Sean Payton know?  If he did, how much did he know?  U.S. Attorney Jim Letten is investigating this matter and he's a straight shooter.  If there's dirt, he'll find it and prosecute.  If there's no dirt, then Loomis will be cleared, at least of criminal charges.  Definitely a sad day for the Who Dat Nation.

   Congrats to Phil Humber of the Chicago White Sox for pitching a perfect game.  At least it wasn't against the Braves.  The New York Mets have not had a no-hitter in 8,057 games (including postseason) and counting.

   If there was a Last Place Update for MLB this week, the 3-12 Kansas City Royals would lead the Chicago Cubs by a half a game and the San Diego Padres by a game.  Baseball's Last Place Updates are coming soon.

   Have a great week!!