Sixers journey to Charlotte (probably at full energy) for pivotal matchup vs. Hornets

The Sixers are coming off a blowout WIN (haven’t been capable of kind that a lot this season), taking down the Chicago Bulls 157-137. Now they head to Charlotte to tackle one of many hottest groups within the league in what might be a pivotal matchup with actual long-term stakes.

Why does a regular-season recreation in March carry this a lot weight? The Sixers and Hornets have already met twice this yr, splitting the sequence 1-1, making this the decider. Whoever wins clinches the tiebreaker between two groups hovering across the identical spot within the Eastern Conference. Charlotte sits one recreation again proper now, and with how shut these data might end, that tiebreaker may be very a lot in play. A Sixers win provides cushion. A loss pulls the Hornets proper into placing vary.

Charlotte has quietly turn out to be one of many higher tales within the league this season, and numerous that begins with Kon Knueppel. The rookie has put collectively one of many strongest freshman campaigns we’ve seen in years, averaging 19.1 factors, 5.3 rebounds and three.5 assists on a close to 50-40-90 clip. Tonight he’ll go face to face with VJ Edgecombe, one other rookie who has regarded simply as far past his years on the opposite facet. Two first-year gamers, taken again to again within the draft, squaring off in a recreation with precise playoff implications — that’s a reasonably compelling subplot.

Since the brand new yr the Hornets have been one of many higher groups in basketball. Their offense has jumped to fifth within the league, with their protection sitting twelfth. The tough document is generally a hangover from a brutal first half, however they’ve clawed their method again to the purpose the place they’re not only a play-in staff anymore — an actual playoff spot is on the desk.

The ordinary names spherical out the roster: LaMelo Ball, nonetheless one of the crucial proficient gamers within the league even when the consistency comes and goes, alongside Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner as robust rotation items. This may also be our first take a look at Coby White in a Hornets uniform for the reason that commerce deadline.

For the Sixers, issues lastly really feel like they’re trending in the precise path. The Bulls aren’t precisely a measuring stick staff this season, however placing up 157 factors with Joel Embiid and Paul George combining for 60+ continues to be an announcement. Both guys regarded recent, moved effectively and placed on offensive clinics. George specifically was wonderful on each ends. Four steals and a block to go along with his scoring output, and having that form of clean, versatile wing again within the lineup has been a desperately wanted addition.

Edgecombe has saved his robust play going too. It wasn’t his largest statistical evening, however he did a pleasant job navigating life with Embiid and George again within the rotation, letting them function whereas nonetheless making his personal affect. He shot 7-of-9 from the sector, which tells you the way clear his alternatives have been taking part in off two stars drawing all the eye. That load-sharing function fits him effectively, however tonight is a distinct check. The Hornets haven’t any scarcity of guards, so Edgecombe will should be sharp on each ends.

There are some notable harm statuses to keep watch over heading into this one. For the primary time since his harm, Tyrese Maxey isn’t listed as out — he’s questionable with a finger tendon pressure, which is an encouraging signal. Kelly Oubre Jr. can also be questionable however informed beat reporters yesterday that he expects to go well with up. That leaves Johni Broome as the one Sixer probably sitting out. On the Charlotte facet, former lottery decide Tidjane Salaun is the one participant listed exterior of G League assignments.

This is a vital matchup for each squads and will find yourself being the deciding issue relying on how the playoff and play-in image shapes out. Edgecombe now has the reinforcements he wants for the Sixers to return out on high. Let’s see if they will win the primary of what might be a number of pivotal matchups of their playoff pursuit.

When: Saturday, March 28 2026, 6 PM EST
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers