The Hornets, who remain in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, three games out of eighth and final playoff spot with just 12 games left, are coming off a 112-105 loss to the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. A loss was pretty much expected, even though the Cavs had dropped three straight coming into that game. Next up on Sunday are the Phoenix Suns (22-51), who are in a battle with the Los Angeles Lakers to stay out of the Western Conference cellar.