Next gala by Joel Embiid?
The second duel within 48 hours between the Charlotte Hornets and the Philadelphia 76ers is coming up. After the dramatic game in the first act, another tense game is now expected between two actually offensively strong teams. Against the Hornets, the 76ers are nevertheless the clear favourites according to the odds.
On the one hand, there are the Hornets, who have won over many critics with their offensive style of play. Probably no other team stands for offensive spectacle and defensive chaos at the same time. Given the many absences, they go into the upcoming game as clear underdogs.
On the other side are the guests from Philadelphia around all-star Joel Embiid. They are also the focus of many at the moment. However, not necessarily for playing reasons, but rather because there is a lot going on around the 76ers. The discussions and speculations about point guard Ben Simmons continue. The next few weeks will bring some decisive games.
Charlotte Hornets – Statistics & current form
No other team in the entire NBA stands for offensive fireworks more than the Charlotte Hornets. Coach James Borrego’s men have scored at least 119 points in six games. Games with over 250 points total are not uncommon when Charlotte is involved.
Miles Bridges MIP?
Symbolic of the Hornets’ style of play is the backcourt duo of Miles Bridges and Lamelo Ball. While Ball continues his development as expected, Bridges in particular has surprised with strong numbers this season. Not least, he is considered one of the contenders for the title of “most improved player”, which awards the player who has improved the most individually compared to last season. He currently averages 20.2 points per game. Last season he had 12.7 points.
Lamelo Ball drops out
The point guard has already completely led the team in scoring this season. While he leads the team in rebounds, assists and steals, he is only just behind Bridges in points.
It is therefore particularly bitter that probably the best player will also be absent in the second leg. Besides him, Terry Rozier and Mason Plumlee are also not available and complete the list of casualties. All in all, these names cannot be adequately replaced.
Without these names, coach Borrego will have to make a lot of changes. In addition, the statistics so far cannot really provide valuable information in view of these numerous absences. Nevertheless, the Hornets showed in the first meeting with the 76ers 48 hours ago that the tendency in their own game remains the same: their own offence is and remains their greatest strength. Without their best individual player, the scoring was spread over several shoulders. After all, five players scored in double figures. Kelly Oubre Jr., who came from the Warriors, attracted attention and put up a strong 35 points. It seems as if the guard has finally really arrived in Charlotte. For the Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers game, our prediction goes in favour of the visitors in view of the serious injuries, because we don’t assume that such a performance can be repeated again without the three.
Predicted Charlotte Hornets lineup:
Martin, Oubre Jr, Bridges, Hayward, Richards
Philadelphia 76ers – Statistics & current form
Currently, the 76ers seem to have overcome their weak phase. Recently, four of the last five games were won. Only against the Celtics they had to admit defeat with a difference of one point.
Philly surprisingly strong offensively
In the recent past, the Philadelphia 76ers have stood for a strong defence with players like Ben Simmons, Mathisse Thybulle and Joel Embiid. So far this year, things are looking a little different.
While Philly is currently in a strong fourth place in the offensive standings this year, surprising many, they are not quite convincing defensively. Allowing over 108 points per game to opponents, Rivers’ charges currently rank 17th in the defensive standings. Nevertheless, they still have two of the best defensive players at their positions in Embiid and Thybulle in their ranks.
Even though Doc Rivers can be satisfied with the last results, he will be eager to improve his own defensive statistics. If they want to play a role in the playoffs, they should start defending their own basket. In Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers, we think betting odds that assign a low point total to the Hornets are quite interesting given the great individual defensive class on the part of the 76ers.
A win is a must
In view of the standings and the upcoming duels with real heavyweights of the league (among others vs. Utah, Golden State, Miami, Brooklyn), the second appearance at the Spectrum Center with the Hornets should also be successful. A win would keep them within touching distance of fourth place in the East.
Embiid must get it right
In the last meeting it was mainly the Cameroonian who secured the victory after overtime. With 43 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, the centre was the linchpin of the 76ers. Even if it is against a shorthanded Hornets, the 27-year-old will need another gala. Support should again come from Tobias Harris. That’s exactly how Seth Curry can take control of the game at any time. Tyrese Maxey remains questionable with his injury.
Projected Philadelphia 76ers line-up:
Milton, Curry, Green, Harris, Embiid
Charlotte Hornets – Philadelphia 76ers Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The Phildelphia 76ers have a slight lead in the direct comparison. in a total of 60 games, they have won exactly 60% of the games. 36 wins to 24 losses is the balance in the duel against the Charlotte Hornets. Last season, all three encounters went to Philly. Together with the win from the last game, this means they have won four consecutive duels with the Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets – Philadelphia 76ers Tip
The duel at the centre position could be particularly decisive. This is where Mason Plumlee replacement Nick Richards makes the biggest difference in quality compared to Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian was already able to dominate at will in the game two days ago. If he is in full possession of his powers, he could have a considerable impact on the game again.
After a bit of uncertainty in the first meeting as to how exactly the Hornets’ offensive game would shape up without their two point guards Ball and Rozier, Philly can now better adjust. Accordingly, we recommend playing Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting odds per Philly.
Both teams are offensively oriented and rank among the top eight teams in the league in terms of own points. We think the injured players on the hosts’ side will be crucial. In the game between the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers, our tip therefore goes clearly in the direction of the guests. We bet 7 units on a 76ers handicap win with at least a seven-point difference
