Philadelphia 76ers Beat Pistons, Charlotte Hornets Suffer Fifth Straight Loss
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets: Can Philly Extend Their Winning Momentum?
The NBA In-Season Tournament continues with a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers (4-14) and the Charlotte Hornets (6-14) on Tuesday at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Both teams are already eliminated from advancing to the knockout stage, making this a game with little playoff implication but still one to watch. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
The 76ers come into the game off a rare victory, defeating the Detroit Pistons 111-96, but they are still struggling in a season that has been marred by inconsistency. The Hornets, on the other hand, are mired in a five-game losing streak, and the absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf injury only adds to their woes.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey Carries the Load as Embiid’s Absence Continues
Philadelphia’s win over Detroit was significant not only because it was their fourth win of the season, but because it provided a much-needed boost after a rough stretch. The 76ers have won only two of their last nine games, and their star center, Joel Embiid, has been sidelined for much of the year due to a knee injury. Embiid’s absence has left a major void in the lineup, but Tyrese Maxey has stepped up in a big way.
Maxey has been the bright spot for Philly, leading the team in both points (25.9 PPG) and assists (4.5 APG). He has been especially aggressive in recent games, scoring 26 or more points in three of his last four outings. However, his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, with Maxey hitting just 33.3% of his deep attempts (3.3 3PM/game), placing the team 26th in the league for three-pointers made. Still, Maxey remains the team’s primary offensive weapon.
Rookie Jared McCain, who has been impressive early on, is averaging 16.0 PPG and recently dropped 30 points in a game against Brooklyn. The 76ers’ scoring depth remains a concern, but they also boast solid defensive numbers, ranking 7th in the NBA for three-point defense (12.7 3PM allowed per game). While their offense has been slow-paced (20th in possessions per game), their defense gives them a chance in tight games.
Alongside Maxey, veterans like Paul George (14.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12.7 PPG) contribute to the scoring load. However, Philadelphia’s ability to make three-pointers will need to improve if they want to have a more balanced offense. Their current three-point shooting efficiency ranks among the league’s worst, which is something they will need to address to be competitive against more potent offenses like the Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball’s Absence Leaves Gaping Hole in Offense
For the Hornets, the season has been a struggle, and their current five-game losing streak paints a bleak picture. The absence of LaMelo Ball, who is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a left calf strain, is a major blow to the team. Ball, the team’s star playmaker and leader, has been averaging 22.5 PPG and 8.0 APG on the season, and without him, the Hornets have lacked a clear offensive identity.
With Ball sidelined, the pressure to perform has fallen squarely on the shoulders of Brandon Miller. The rookie forward has been sensational, particularly in the absence of his teammate, putting up 20.6 PPG. Miller showed his scoring ability in Charlotte’s last game, a narrow 107-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, where he scored 32 points. However, Miller needed 30 shots to reach that total, which highlights the efficiency issues that come with him being the team’s primary scoring option.
Despite his scoring prowess, Miller’s shooting consistency remains a concern, as he’s connecting on just 36.1% of his three-point attempts (3.8 3PM/game). This lack of shooting efficiency is compounded by the absence of other key contributors like Miles Bridges and Tre Mann, leaving the Hornets thin on offensive options. Nick Richards, a reliable presence in the paint, is currently the second-highest scorer (11.2 PPG) and rebounder (9.3 RPG), but the Hornets need more firepower if they are to turn things around.
Charlotte’s shooting from beyond the arc has been one of their few bright spots this season, ranking 3rd in the league for three-pointers made per game (16.2), which could prove dangerous for a 76ers team that has struggled with three-point defense. However, the Hornets’ defense has been a mixed bag, allowing 13.4 threes per game (13th in the league), and their inability to generate consistent offense without Ball makes them an unpredictable team.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia 76ers have an opportunity to continue their winning ways against a depleted Charlotte Hornets team that is struggling in multiple areas. With LaMelo Ball out and Brandon Miller forced to carry an overburdened offense, the Hornets will have a tough time keeping up with the defensive-minded 76ers. For Philadelphia, maintaining their defensive focus while getting consistent scoring from Tyrese Maxey and others will be key to securing another win in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
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