Charlotte knocked off Detroit 99-90 Sunday night to move within a game of Toronto for the fifth seed in the playoffs.

Last week the Hornets looked to be on the fast track to oblivion.

"Morale is low,'' said forward P.J. Brown last week. "We don't feel the enthusiasm right now."

So, what's wrong? Some on the team privately feel that the recent activation of Derrick Coleman, whom Silas is trying to work into the rotation, is the problem, having disrupted team chemistry.

"We know what the problem is,'' said guard Baron Davis. "We've got to fix it and start playing like we did when it was fun. Either we solve it, or we're going to keep getting beat by somebody who's nowhere near the playoffs."

The Hornets are hoping the couple late-season victories will put a lid on the whole mess, so they can focus on the postseason.

Personnel File

CAMPBELL LIMITED: Elden Campbell, who missed Friday and Saturday's practices with back spasms, played 34 minutes against the Pistons and scored eight points after averaging 22 points and 9.3 rebounds in three previous games.

RUST OR REST: Silas is trying to give the starters some rest before the playoffs begin, but it has met with some grumbling. In a 97-92 loss to the Pistons last week, Charlotte's reserves shot 7-of-22 from the field. P.J. Brown was benched the entire fourth quarter.

"We've just got to play the guys who'll win games,'' he said, "and not worry about tomorrow. I feel all right physically. You want to try to rest guys up, but you want to have a rhythm and be on the same page."

Silas said he understands what Brown is saying, but ...

"My options are limited,'' he said. "If you want to win, you've got to play starters. But, we've got to give them rest. So, it's a dilemma. I'll try to rest guys as much as I can, but still try to win."

Noteworthy

BURRELL SIGNED: The Hornets signed free-agent Scott Burrell for the last four regular-season games. Burrell, 30, is a 6-7 forward who was drafted by Charlotte in 1991. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in November and has been working out since January.

To make room for Burrell on the active roster, Tim James (left knee tendinitis) was placed on the injured list.