Sixers travel to Charlotte (possibly at full strength) for pivotal matchup vs. Hornets
The Sixers are coming off a blowout WIN (have not been in a position to 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 could possibly be a pivotal matchup with actual long-term stakes.
Why does a regular-season sport in March carry this a lot weight? The Sixers and Hornets have already met twice this yr, splitting the collection 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 sport again proper now, and with how shut these information might end, that tiebreaker may be very a lot in play. A Sixers win provides cushion. A loss pulls the Hornets proper into hanging vary.
Charlotte has quietly turn out to be the most effective tales within the league this season, and quite a lot of these begin with Kon Knueppel. The rookie has put collectively one of many strongest freshman campaigns we have 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 head to head with VJ Edgecombe, one other rookie who has appeared simply as far past his years on the opposite aspect. Two first-year gamers, taken again to again within the draft, squaring off in a sport with present playoff implications — that is a reasonably compelling subplot.
Since the brand new yr the Hornets have been the most effective groups in basketball. Their offense has jumped to fifth within the league, with their protection sitting twelfth. The tough report is generally a hangover from a brutal first half, however they’ve clawed their manner again to the purpose the place they are not only a play-in group anymore — an actual playoff spot is on the desk.
The traditional names spherical out the roster: LaMelo Ball, nonetheless one of the gifted gamers within the league even when the consistency comes and goes, alongside Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner as sturdy rotation items. This can even be our first look at Coby White in a Hornets uniform because the commerce deadline.
For the Sixers, issues lastly really feel like they’re trending in the proper route. The Bulls aren’t precisely a measuring stick group this season, however placing up 157 factors with Joel Embiid and Paul George combining for 60+ continues to be a press release. Both guys appeared recent, moved nicely and placed on offensive clinics. George particularly was wonderful on each ends. Four steals and a block to go together with his scoring output, and having that type of clean, versatile wing again within the lineup has been a desperately wanted addition.
Edgecombe has saved his sturdy 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 their very own affect. He shot 7-of-9 from the sphere, which tells you ways clear his alternatives had been taking part in off two stars drawing all the eye. That load-sharing function fits him nicely, however tonight is a distinct check. The Hornets haven’t any scarcity of guards, so Edgecombe will want to be sharp on each ends.
There are some notable damage statuses to regulate heading into this one. For the primary time since his damage, Tyrese Maxey is not listed as out — he is questionable with a finger tendon pressure, which is an encouraging signal. Kelly Oubre Jr. can be questionable however informed beat reporters yesterday that he expects to swimsuit up. That leaves Johni Broome as the one Sixer probably sitting out. On the Charlotte aspect, former lottery decide Tidjane Salaun is the one participant listed outdoors 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 come out on high. Let’s see if they will win the primary of what could possibly 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
