The 76ers and Hornets are set to play their third and final matchup of the regular season. These teams split the season series, making this the deciding game.
Charlotte is a 5.5-point favorite and -218 on the moneyline, while Philadelphia is +180 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 230.5 points.
Here’s a preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s 76ers vs. Hornets matchup.
76ers vs. Hornets prediction, preview
Few teams have been as exciting as the Hornets this season. Despite starting the season at 11-23, Charlotte is now 39-34 and the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel is providing the team with a quicker rebuild than expected.
Charlotte is on a five-game win streak and is 7-3 in its last 10. Only two games separate the 10th seed Heat and fifth seed Raptors. Even with only a handful of games remaining, there can be major swings in the East standings.
The 76ers were once a dark horse team in the East, but injuries have caught up to them. Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. are questionable, while Paul George just returned from suspension. Joel Embiid also played his first game in a month on Wednesday, but he’s always has injury concerns.
If everyone is healthy, it’s possible Philadelphia makes some noise in the postseason, but that’s a problem for another day. For now, the 76ers have to handle a red-hot Hornets team on a five-game win streak.
76ers vs. Hornets pick, best bet
While it’s possible the 76ers have their “big three” healthy and active for Saturday’s game, it won’t be enough to take down the Hornets. Charlotte is at home and has won five straight (all of which were at home).
The Hornets are real. Maybe not a second-round playoff team yet, but they’re a good team at this stage of their rebuild.
