Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Getting you ready for today's game.

Author:
Ian Black
Dec 16, 2023 2:22 PM EST

In this story:

Injury Report

Hornets: OUT LaMelo Ball (R ankle), Cody Martin (L knee), Frank Ntilikina (L tibia), Mark Williams (Back), P.J. Washington (Shoulder)

Pacers: QUESTIONABLE Joel Embiid (Knee)

Game Preview

The Hornets (7-16) are at home on Saturday to take on the 76ers (17-7). The Hornets will be trying to weather the storm with a myriad of injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and P.J. Washington who are out for today's contest. The key to this is likely veteran guard Terry Rozier, who is once again surging while LaMelo Ball is injured. Over his last seven games, Rozier is averaging an impressive 28.3 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 48% from 3-point range.

The 76ers are once again a top contender in the East behind the power of superstar center Joel Embiid. The NBA scoring leader has averaged an otherworldly 39.6 points per game over Philadelphia's last five games, all wins. Not only have the Sixers won five straight, but the average margin of victory across those games has been 22.2 points.

This may spell trouble for Charlotte. The Sixers are already a tough matchup for any team behind the power of Embiid. It must then be taken into account that the Hornets only have one true center healthy right now in Nick Richards.

Not only will starting center Mark Williams physical stature be missed in this game, but P.J. Washington's sporadic minutes at center will not be available either. Coach Steve Clifford and company are going to have to get extremely creative to attempt to disrupt the opposing front court in this one.

Key Matchup: Terry Rozier versus Tyrese Maxey

Terry Rozier's recent statistic success was already explained above, but he truly is the engine of hope for competitive gameplay from Charlotte right now.

Tonight he draws the young Tyrese Maxey as his matchup, a player who has surged to all-star level gameplay this season without James Harden sharing the backcourt.

Rozier will need to outperform Maxey's 25.8 points per game on 45.9/38.6/89.1 shooting splits- and then some- tonight for the Hornets to have their best chance at success.

Projected Starting Fives