Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Preview, Team News and Schedule, Injury Report, Friday, 1st March 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers will be without their star man once again when they host the Charlotte Hornets. Both sides have played twice this season, and the 76ers won on both occasions, with Joel Embiid leading the scoring. Embiid is absent for this clash, can his absence be a blessing for the Hornets?

The 76ers are favourites with an implied probability of 87.0% to win this one at 1.15 odds, while the Hornets are available at 5.75 odds. The point spread is +/-11.0 points and the total points line is at 212.5.

The Philadelphia 76ers will battle the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for an Eastern Conference clash. For more NBA picks from Agbeniga Ayobami and other basketball experts, visit our Expert Insights section.

Our Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte prediction is for the 76ers to cover the 11.0-point spread. 

In this article:

• Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
• Game Info
• Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report, Team News, Schedule
• Charlotte Hornets Injury Report, Team News, Schedule
• Betting Trends
• Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets H2H
• Safer Gambling

Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction

• Selection: 76ers -11.0
• Odds: 1.86
• Bookmaker: Bet365
• Stake: 6/10

With the Charlotte Hornets playing on the second night of back-to-back and facing challenges with defensive struggles, allowing an average of 118.2 points per game, and offensive inconsistencies, the Philadelphia 76ers are viewed as clear favourites in this matchup.

Despite the absence of Joel Embiid, the 76ers’ depth and versatility have proven effective, maintaining a strong offensive performance with an average of 117.0 points per game.

Having the home-court advantage further strengthens the 76ers’ position, especially considering Charlotte’s struggles on the road and the absence of key players. In this game, the Philadelphia 76ers will secure a victory and cover the spread.

Game Info

• Date: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
• Time: 01:00 (CET)
• Arena: Wells Fargo Center
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report, Team News, Schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers have faced a challenging stretch, losing four of their last five games, with their latest setback being a 117-99 defeat against the Celtics. Injuries have played a significant role in the team’s struggles, with players like De’Anthony Melton (back), KJ Martin (ankle), Robert Covington (knee), and Joel Embiid (knee) currently sidelined.

Joel Embiid has been absent for the team’s last 11 games due to a left knee injury. Following surgery on February 6, the reigning MVP is set to be reevaluated in four weeks, raising hopes for a potential return next month. The team’s performance without Embiid has been notably less successful, holding a 4-7 record in the 11 games he has missed during this period. In contrast, with Embiid in the squad, the 76ers have been a more formidable team, boasting a 26-8 record.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 32-26 against the spread this season (55.2% ATS). They have a 17-14 ATS record as a home team and a 21-18 record against the spread in conference games. They currently average 117.0 points per game, ranking 12th in the league, with shooting percentages of 47.0% from the field and 35.9% from beyond the arc. They also boast an 83% free-throw shooting percentage. In terms of rebounding, they grab 42.9 rebounds per game, ranking 20th in the NBA, and record 24.7 assists per game, placing them 27th in the league.

Defensively, the 76ers force an average of 11.9 turnovers per game and draw 20.9 fouls. However, they concede 113.7 points per game, ranking 14th in the league in points allowed. They surrender an opponent field goal percentage of 47.4% and allow opponents to shoot 35.1% from beyond the arc while conceding 42.6 rebounds per game.

Next 5 Fixtures

• March 3rd vs Mavericks
• March 6th vs Nets
• March 7th vs Grizzlies
• March 9th vs Pelicans
• March 11th vs Knicks

Charlotte Hornets Injury Report, Team News, Schedule

The Charlotte Hornets, currently occupying the 4th spot in the Southeast Division, faced another setback in their recent matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite a roster reshuffle that brought in new acquisitions like Mann, Bertans, Grant Williams, Vasa Micic, and Seth Curry, the Hornets couldn’t keep pace with the Bucks and suffered a decisive 123-85 defeat at the Fiserv Forum. In the game, Charlotte struggled with shooting efficiency, managing only 37% from the field and a dismal 27.5% from beyond the arc, despite recording 24 assists on 30 made baskets. While the new additions had contributed to the team’s recent surge in performance, they could not counter the dominance of the Bucks on this occasion.

Despite the loss, the Hornets have no injury concerns and aim to bounce back to winning ways as soon as possible. The Hornets are 23-35 ATS, with a 10-19 record against the spread as an away team, and they have a 12-23 record in Conference games. They currently average 107.7 points per game, ranking 28th in the league, while shooting 45.7% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc. They also boast a 78.5% free-throw shooting percentage. In terms of rebounding, they grab 41.1 rebounds per game, ranking 28th in the NBA, and record 24.8 assists per game, placing them 24th in the league.

Defensively, the Hornets force an average of 13.5 turnovers per game and draw 18.3 fouls. However, they surrender an opponent field goal percentage of 49.6% and allow 45.3 rebounds per game. They allow opponents to shoot 38.2% from beyond the arc and concede 118.2 points per game, ranking 24th in the league in points allowed.

Next 5 Fixtures

• March 4th vs Raptors
• March 6th vs Magic
• March 9th vs Wizards
• March 10th vs Nets
• March 12th vs Pistons

Betting Trends

• The 76ers are 32-26 ATS.
• The Hornets are 23-35 ATS.
• The 76ers are 21-18 ATS in Conference Games.
• The 76ers are 17-14 ATS in home games.
• The Hornets are 12-23 ATS in Conference Games.
• The Hornets are 10-19 ATS in away games.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets H2H

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets have a closely contested history in the regular season, having played 121 games, with the 76ers holding a slight edge with 61 victories compared to the Hornets’ 60.

Joel Embiid has been a great player against the Hornets throughout his career. In 19 games against Charlotte, he has averaged an impressive 30.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. In more recent matchups since the 2022-23 season, Embiid’s performance against the Hornets has been even more outstanding, with an average of 41.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in four games.

However, Embiid’s absence from the upcoming game is expected to have a significant impact on the outcome.

SAFER GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.