Charlotte
Bobcats

Bobcats Team Report

Updated: February 12, 2012 03:44 EST

Well, at least they made their own record book. The Bobcats had never lost 14 straight games before Saturday's 111-86 home loss to the Clippers.

To say the Bobcats have lost 14 straight actually understates the problem: They have lost their last six by an average margin of 24.8 points. Saturday was indicative of the all-around futility: They shot 35 percent while allowing the Clippers to score 50 points in the paint.

Bobcats coach Paul Silas clings to the hope that the return of point guard D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson, the team's two top scorers, over the next two weeks will right things. Certainly restoring the 30 points a game those two combine for will help. But that might only reduce, rather than erase, the margin of defeat.

There's a lifelessness about the way the Bobcats play these days that is troubling. As returning small forward Corey Maggette put it, "We've got to play with some kind of passion."

Maggette didn't call anyone out by name, but forwards Boris Diaw and Tyrus Thomas certainly aren't playing up to their contracts. This team seems to be surrendering, and there's still half a season to play.

The Bobcats will try to avoid a 15th straight loss Monday, at home against the 76ers.

--The Bobcats' 3-point shooting has been abysmal of late: They made 2-of-22 attempts from the arc against the Bulls and Clippers. Acquiring Reggie Williams was supposed to improve the 3-point shooting, but Williams has made only four of his 25 three-point attempts in the five games he's played.

--The Bobcats wore Carolina Cougars uniforms against the Clippers as part of the NBA's tribute to the American Basketball Association. Several former Cougars -- the team played in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh in the '70s -- attended the game. Former Cougars general manager Carl Scheer now works for the Bobcats.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm backing him 100 percent. We need to be better and that starts with me." -- Captain Corey Maggette, when asked about coach Paul Silas.

PLAYER NOTES:

--F Corey Maggette moved back into the starting lineup. That sent Tyrus Thomas to the bench, and he'll now play power forward after starting at small forward. That's to protect minutes for backup small forward Derrick Brown, who has had nine double-figure scoring games in his past 11 games.

--C Bismack Biyombo was limited to 19 minutes as a starter against the Clippers because he ran up four fouls. He challenged Clippers star Blake Griffin at the rim, but that just resulted in frequent whistles.

--G Reggie Williams is struggling with his shot after what was a great start. Since back-to-back 21-point games, Williams has shot 5-of-27 in the last three games for a total of 10 points.

--F Tyrus Thomas going to the bench makes him a very expensive, and unreliable, reserve. Thomas needs to play power forward, but he doesn't really have the bulk to body up the players he'll be guarding by moving to that position.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G D.J. Augustin (inflamed right big toe) might play Wednesday against the Timberwolves.

--G Gerald Henderson (right hamstring strain) hopes to be back in time to play before the All-Star break late this month.

ROTATION:

Starters:

--Point guard Kemba Walker

--Shooting guard Reggie Williams

--Small forward Corey Maggette

--Power forward Boris Diaw

--Center Bismack Biyombo

Bench:

--Forward Derrick Brown

--Center Byron Mullins

--Guard Matt Carroll

--Forward D.J. White

--Forward Tyrus Thomas