Charlotte Hornets Surge, Kawhi Leonard Revives Clippers

The NBA stretch run is a chaotic, compelling ride. Charlotte’s midseason surge has been, as Bill Simmons put it, "the most dramatic turnaround in-season of anyone that I can remember," and the Hornets lead the league in net rating and offense since Jan. Kawhi Leonard has revived the Clippers, Jayson Tatum races back from an Achilles tear, LeBron keeps producing, and Golden State lives or dies with Stephen Curry's health. Merlin sees momentum as a spell that can hold or vanish. For a high school fan expect big swings. Charlotte may not sustain 16-3 magic, but belief, hot shooting and balance can carry them past skeptics. Kawhi is a cheat code for L.A. Tatum might become a more selective scorer. Golden State’s fate turns on Curry. Watch injuries, roles and chemistry; they will write the season's end.