A preview of Saturday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets.
The Philadelphia 76ers (40-33) are taking on the Charlotte Hornets (39-34) on Saturday evening at 6 PM ET in Spectrum Center.
Philadelphia is coming off a dominant 20-point victory over the Chicago Bulls that marked the return of stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Embiid picked up right where he left off, recording 35 points, seven assists, and six rebounds on 70.6% shooting. George also had quite a strong performance, tallying 28 points, six rebounds, and four steals.
Prior to the win against the Bulls, the 76ers had won two of their last four matchups.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. They have won their last five games, with each victory coming by double digits. The wins have come versus the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and New York Knicks.
Key Matchups:
V.J. Edgecombe vs. Kon Knueppel
Two of the best rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft class are set to go head-to-head. Edgecombe is widely regarded as the better defender of the two, but slowing down Knueppel from the outside is a tall task. The 76ers rookie has been on fire as of late, so it's time to prove to the front office that it made the right decision picking him one spot ahead of the Hornets phenom.
Paul George vs. Brandon Miller
Miller is matching up against his GOAT of basketball on Saturday. George's defense has been integral to the 76ers' success this season, and that can't change against an efficient three-level scorer in Miller. Don't expect George to put up the same numbers offensively as he did against the Chicago Bulls, especially if Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. return.
Injury Report:
76ers
Johni Broome: Out - Right Knee; Surgery Recovery
Tyrese Maxey: Questionable - Right Finger; Tendon Strain
Kelly Oubre Jr.: Questionable - Left Elbow; Sprain
Hornets
Tosan Evbuomwan: Out - G League; Two-Way
PJ Hall: Out - G League; Two-Way
Liam McNeeley: Out - G League; On Assignment
Antonio Reeves: Out - G League; Two-Way
Tidjane Salaun: Out - Left Calf; Strain
How Each Team Can Emerge Victorious:
76ers
Joel Embiid dominates the frontcourt battle while Maxey and Edgecombe outperform Charlotte's dynamic backcourt.
Hornets
Moussa Diabate and company limit Joel Embiid's scoring while the 'Big Three' of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller continue to dominate offensively.
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