Charlotte Hornets vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions December 16th 2024

76ers Face Injury Challenges in Road Matchup with Struggling Hornets

The Philadelphia 76ers continue to navigate a turbulent season marked by injuries as they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. Both teams are seeking stability, with the 76ers looking to overcome the latest blows to their roster and the Hornets desperate to reverse their losing skid.

Philadelphia’s Injury Woes

The 76ers (7-16) had started to show promise with four wins in their last six games, but Friday’s 121-107 loss to Indiana brought new challenges. All-Star center Joel Embiid exited early with a sinus fracture, leaving a major void in the lineup. The team confirmed on Saturday that rookie standout Jared McCain also suffered a meniscus tear and will undergo surgery, sidelining him indefinitely.

“It’s not that easy to deal with at times,” coach Nick Nurse said. “But we’ve got to do a little better of next-man-up, and fighting and pulling together.”

McCain’s absence stings especially hard. The 20-year-old guard has been a bright spot this season, averaging a team-high 15.3 points among players with at least 20 games played. His consistent scoring and growing confidence had been a key factor in recent games.

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Without Embiid and McCain, the pressure falls on Tyrese Maxey and Paul George to lead a shorthanded roster. George, who scored 22 points against Indiana, stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.

“Injuries are part of this game,” George said. “We’re very aware of that. You just try to pick up the pieces and stay positive.”

Charlotte’s Struggles Continue

The Hornets (7-16) have faced their own struggles, losing nine of their last 10 games. Offensive consistency remains elusive, as Charlotte has failed to reach 100 points in six games this season, including a 109-95 loss to Chicago on Friday.

One bright spot for the Hornets has been rookie Brandon Miller, who has led the team in scoring for seven consecutive games. However, the reliance on Miller has come with inefficiency; he’s taken 21 or more shots in five of those contests, highlighting the need for a more balanced offense.

“I definitely think that we can do a better job of trying to diversify our shot profile,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said.

The return of center Mark Williams provides hope for improved interior play. Williams, who missed the season’s opening month, is steadily increasing his workload and contributed 15 points and nine rebounds in just 17 minutes against the Bulls.

Key Matchups

• Tyrese Maxey vs. Brandon Miller: With both teams missing key players, Maxey and Miller will likely shoulder heavy scoring duties for their respective teams. Miller’s ability to exploit Philadelphia’s depleted defense will be critical for Charlotte.
• Paul George vs. Charlotte Defense: George has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 29-point performance in Philadelphia’s Dec. 3 win over the Hornets. His veteran presence will be vital in steadying the 76ers’ offense.
• Mark Williams vs. Philadelphia’s Frontcourt: With Embiid out, Williams has an opportunity to dominate the paint and establish himself as a key contributor for the Hornets.

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Previous Meetings

The 76ers have already claimed two close wins over the Hornets this season:

• Nov. 10: Philadelphia edged Charlotte 107-105 in overtime at home.
• Dec. 3: The 76ers secured a 110-104 victory in Charlotte behind Paul George’s 29 points.

What’s Next

This is the first of consecutive games between the two teams, with the second matchup slated for Friday in Philadelphia. In between, the Hornets will visit Washington on Thursday.

Prediction

The 76ers’ injuries create a significant challenge, but Charlotte’s struggles on both ends of the court leave them vulnerable. If Philadelphia can execute defensively and get consistent contributions from George and Maxey, they should be able to overcome their depleted roster.

Prediction: 76ers 105, Hornets 100