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Charlotte Hornets: The Race for the 4th Seed

By John Woodcock

Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Kemba Walker (15) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford talks with guard Kemba Walker (15) during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Charlotte Hornets mascot “Hugo” (L) and Atlanta Hawks mascot “Skyhawk” (R) sit on the sidelines prior to the All-Stars Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Tiebreakers

According to NBA.com, the rules for breaking a tie between more than two teams are there:

(1) Better winning percentage in all games among the tied teams.

(2) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if all tied teams are in the same division).

(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.

(4) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

(5) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents (“point differential”).

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So the first tiebreaker to be used is the head-to-head, or this case the head-to-head-to-head. The Hawks are 3-1 against the Hornets and a projected 3-1 against the Celtics. That solid 6-2 in the head-to-head would slot them in fourth. This would keep the Hornets out of a home playoff spot.

Boston is a projected 3-0 against Charlotte on the year, pushing the Hornets down to the sixth spot where they currently sit. That would pit them against the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Ironically, the Hornets have a better record against the Heat than they do with either Atlanta or Boston.

Next: Top Ten Draftees in Hornets History

That is one way it might play out. The Hornets’ fate is still in their hands. Each win puts them closer, but they will need a surprise to avoid being slotted in the same spot where they sit.

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