Charlotte having trouble staying healthy

Charlotte suffered its second straight loss on Friday, as it was edged at home by the Milwaukee Bucks, 103-102.

Gerald Wallace filled the stat sheet with 21 points, 15 rebounds, a career- high eight steals and four blocks in the loss. Raymond Felton totaled 19 points for the Bobcats, who have dropped six of their last seven games.

Wallace’s eight steals were an NBA season high and three shy of the league record held by Larry Kenon and Kendall Gill.

Keith Bogans had 16 points and Jumaine Jones added 13 in defeat.

Playing without six players, including three starters, Charlotte managed to overcome an18-point second-quarter deficit. The Bobcats actually had a shot to win the game at the end, but Jones missed a jump shot, Matt Carroll’s three hit the front rim and Jones’ desperation heave at the buzzer hit the backboard.

Charlotte was without reigning Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor (ankle), Brevin Knight (back), Kareem Rush (finger), Melvin Ely (ankle), Sean May (knee) and Jake Voskuhl (ankle).

Knight will be a game-time decision tonight, while the others are expected to remain sidelined.

The Bobcats are a dismal 4-15 away from home this season.

Detroit defeated Charlotte earlier in the season, but surprisingly dropped two of three to the expansion Bobcats last season. The Pistons were one of just four teams who dropped a season-series to Charlotte in its first year.