Good things from small packages?

Opponent File
Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats play in the Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte. Their 2006 - 2007 record was 33 - 49 (fourth in the Southeast Division). Here's the Charlotte Bobcats roster.

Local Papers:
Charlotte Observer | Bobcats
Team Pages:
SI.Com | Bobcats
ESPN.com | Bobcats
FoxSports | Bobcats
NBA.com | Bobcats
Sportsline.com | Bobcats

Head Coach: Sam Vincent
2007 Draft: F Brandan Wright (#8), North Carolina (traded to Golden State); F Jared Dudley (#22), Boston College.
New Players: G Jason Richardson (Trade); F Jermareo Davidson (Trade); Nazr Mohammed (Trade).
Season Goal: MJ brought in a player like himself (sort of) and a coach he played with - can there be any doubt the Bobcats won't measure up this season?
Record vs. Nets: 1 - 1
G32: Nets 102, Bobcats 96
G34: Bobcats 115, Nets 99

Other Opponent Files

Charlotte Bobcats (18 - 31) - Friday, February 8, 2008, 7:00PM EST - Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Small Decisions
With a paper-thin bench thanks to injury, the Bobcats signed 5' 5" G Earl Boykins for the balance of the season. No giant among men, the struggling 'Cats are desperate for some rebounding and some leadership (how about that, Jason Kidd?) and are talking about making some moves before the February 21 trading deadline. Gerald Wallace, their leading scorer, hurt his ankle last week and may not play, but remember the last time the Nets played here they were blown out thanks to Jason Richardson, Emeka Okafor and Nazr Mohammed, along with Wallace. So don't expect any pushovers in this one either, especially the way the Nets are playing. Can they stop the three game losing streak? Can they attempt to play a complete game? Will Richard Jefferson's eye look as hideous as it did Wednesday night? These are the things we're worried about...

Why Should You Watch? Well, I admit I'm running out of reasons to watch these Nets, except for the car-crash aspect of things - you want to turn away, but it's so bad you have to watch. Jason Kidd could have a big night, or then again, he could be tuned out. Let's see if Richard Jefferson continues to struggle, Vince Carter continues his return toward his usual form, and the Nets defense can stop someone. Not a great night for Nenad Krstic to play major minutes, but let's turn him loose and see what he can do anyway. This game could be tailor made for someone like Marcus Williams to break loose from the bench and take over things. OK, last thought - will Lawrence Frank dress Stromile Swift, tinker with his rotations, and get him some minutes?
- Joe

Charlotte Bobcats Cheat Sheet
The Story From Charlotte: From the Charlotte Observer: A judge in northwestern Pennsylvania barred a woman from having any contact with Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan in response to a lawsuit the former NBA star filed alleging she was harassing and threatening him.Crawford County Judge Gordon Miller granted Jordan a preliminary injunction Wednesday against Lisa A. Miceli, who claimed in 2004 that Jordan fathered her son.

In a lawsuit filed last week in Meadville, Jordan said two paternity tests in 2005 ruled him out as the boy's father.

Miller's order forbids Miceli, of Meadville, "communicating with or contacting in any way" Jordan, his family or any of his representatives or their families, Jordan's lawyer, Frederick J. Sperling, said.

Jordan was forced to sue Miceli because she violated an Aug. 26, 2005, agreement prohibiting her from contacting Jordan, his family or his representatives, the lawsuit states.

"Due to the increasingly violent and threatening content of the communications, Michael Jordan had no choice but to seek legal protection," Sperling told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Since the 2005 agreement, Miceli has sent nearly 400 e-mails and notes to Jordan and his representatives, according to the lawsuit, which also says Miceli called Jordan's office and his representatives and left voicemails on more than 200 occasions.

Pain Game: F Sean May (knee) and F Adam Morrison (knee) are out for the Bobcats. F Gerald Wallace (ankle) is also listed as out, but he may play. He's a game time decision. The Nets report no injuries.

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