The Philadelphia 76ers, holding steady in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite nagging injuries to key stars, travel to face a rebuilding Charlotte Hornets squad that’s shown glimpses of potential but struggles with consistency and depth. With Joel Embiid potentially limited and Paul George sidelined, the Sixers will lean on Tyrese Maxey’s scoring and a veteran supporting cast to exploit Charlotte’s porous defense (116.8 PPG allowed, bottom-10 in league). The Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball’s playmaking if he suits up, aim to capitalize on home energy and fast breaks, but their youth and injury woes could prove costly. This matchup could hinge on three-point shooting and rebounding, with Philly’s experience giving them an edge in a likely mid-scoring affair.
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Available on NBA League Pass, with local feeds on NBC Sports Philadelphia (Sixers) and Bally Sports Southeast (Hornets); radio on 97.5 The Fanatic (Sixers) and WFNZ 92.7 FM (Hornets)
Recent Team Forms
The Sixers have battled through injuries but maintained competitiveness, while the Hornets alternate flashes of brilliance with defensive breakdowns.
Philadelphia 76ers (Last 5 Games: 3-2):
Jan 23 vs. New York Knicks: W 112-105 – Balanced attack with Maxey’s 28 points overcoming George’s absence
Jan 21 at Cleveland Cavaliers: L 101-110 – Struggled without Embiid, shooting 41% FG.
Jan 19 vs. Boston Celtics: W 115-108 – Upset win at home, strong rebounding (48 boards).
Jan 17 vs. Orlando Magic: W 120-115 – Late rally sealed by defense.
Jan 15 vs. Houston Rockets: L 105-112 – Defensive lapses in road loss
Averaging 110.8 PPG scored and 106.0 allowed; 3-2 ATS, with overs in three of five due to perimeter shooting (37.2% from three)
Charlotte Hornets (Last 5 Games: 2-3):
Jan 24 vs. Washington Wizards: W 115-110 – Ball’s triple-double paced comeback
Jan 22 vs. Orlando Magic: L 102-108 – Defensive issues allowed 50% FG
Jan 20 at Atlanta Hawks: W 112-105 – Strong bench production.
Jan 18 vs. Memphis Grizzlies: L 100-115 – Turnover-heavy loss.
Jan 16 at New Orleans Pelicans: L 98-110 – Poor shooting (40% FG).
Averaging 105.4 PPG scored and 109.6 allowed; 3-2 in last five, but 1-4 ATS as underdogs
Injury Report and Suspensions
Philadelphia 76ers: Forward Paul George is out (left knee injury management)
Center Joel Embiid is probable (right ankle management)
Guard MarJon Beauchamp is doubtful (G League – Two-Way)
No suspensions reported. Expected starters: Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond (if Embiid sits), KJ Martin.
Charlotte Hornets: Guard LaMelo Ball is questionable (right thumb contusion/right ankle soreness)
Center Mason Plumlee is out (right groin – reevaluated in six weeks)
Guard KJ Simpson is out (left hip flexor strain – through Jan 26)
Forward PJ Hall and Liam McNeeley are out (G League – Two-Way)
No suspensions. Expected starters: LaMelo Ball (if cleared), Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, Josh Green.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries could alter lineups, but these duels spotlight scoring and defense.
Tyrese Maxey (Sixers G) vs. LaMelo Ball (Hornets G): Maxey’s explosiveness (26+ PPG) vs. Ball’s vision (8+ APG) – perimeter battle could dictate pace.
Joel Embiid (Sixers C) vs. Mark Williams (Hornets C): Embiid’s dominance inside (if playing) tests Williams’ rim protection; rebounding key.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (Sixers G) vs. Brandon Miller (Hornets F): Oubre’s athleticism vs. Miller’s shooting (18+ PPG) – wing scoring matchup.
Caleb Martin (Sixers F) vs. Miles Bridges (Hornets F): Martin’s defense challenges Bridges’ versatility; transition play crucial.
Series History
The Sixers hold a commanding all-time edge, with recent dominance. Overall Head-to-Head: Sixers lead 68-60 in 128 regular-season games. Recent Games: Sixers have won 7 of the last 10, including a 125-121 victory on Oct 25, 2025.
Hornets’ last win: March 17, 2023. Trends: Games average 222.8 total points in last five; Sixers 6-4 ATS in recent matchups, with overs in 60%
Betting Trends
Sixers: 15-7 ATS as favorites of 11+ (but rarely this season); under in 5 of last 7 road games. As road favorites: 8-5 ATS, strong against Southeast Division (6-2)
Hornets: 3-2 in last five overall; 2-3 ATS as home underdogs. Home games: 9-12 ATS, overs in 55% when allowing 110+ points
Series Trends: Sixers 6-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Hornets; over 227.5 in 4 of last 5 meetings
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers 228.5
Charlotte Hornets – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026
