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Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives the ball previous Orlando Magic ahead Noah Penda (93) within the fourth quarter at Kia Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Photos The Charlotte Hornets have hit a stride lately and that is not one thing the Philadelphia 76ers can say.
The groups will meet Monday evening in Charlotte after the Hornets received two video games in a row, whereas exhibiting their enchancment for the reason that begin of the brand new yr.
“The offensive price has been actually good as a result of we have been sharing the ball,” Hornets coach Charles Lee mentioned. “I feel all 5 guys are dedicated to rebounding. … The dedication to one another, there have been some linked defensive possessions.”
Each groups performed Saturday afternoon with completely different outcomes.
The Hornets earned a 119-115 victory over the Washington Wizards, whereas the 76ers fell 112-109 at house to the New York Knicks regardless of Joel Embiid’s 38-point, 11-rebound output.
Philadelphia has misplaced 4 of its final six video games, with one of many victories requiring time beyond regulation in opposition to Houston.
“We received to play quicker,” Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey mentioned, referring to tough patches throughout the loss to the Knicks. “Tried to ease into it, and (we) cannot do this.”
The Knicks led by as many as 17 factors within the fourth quarter earlier than the 76ers put collectively a rally that fell quick as Maxey missed a possible game-tying 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds remaining.
The Hornets will likely be challenged to deal with Embiid’s inside presence alongside along with his versatility. That process may fall to Moussa Diabate and rookie reserve Ryan Kalkbrenner, who was praised earlier within the season for his changes defensively. Kalkbrenner’s court docket time has been lowered lately whereas nonetheless making an affect.
“I feel we’re seeing his bodily go up,” Lee mentioned. “I feel abruptly, his mindset has modified about how he’ll dominate the paint at each ends.”
Diabate mentioned he understands the significance of his position defensively.
“Protection is enjoyable to me,” he mentioned. “When you’ve 4 different guys that may guard in addition to you, it makes it lots simpler. Now it turns into a recreation of who desires to protect who.”
Kalkbrenner has joined Kon Knueppel and Sion James as key rookie contributors for the Hornets.
“All three have grown,” Lee mentioned.
The turnover bug continues to be a problem for the Hornets, who had 21 giveaways in opposition to the Wizards. The 76ers compelled solely 10 turnovers in opposition to the Knicks on Saturday.
When the 76ers and Hornets met in October, Philadelphia claimed a 125-121 house victory regardless of LaMelo Ball coming inside two assists of a triple-double for Charlotte. Maxey had 28 factors, whereas Embiid posted 20 factors on 7-for-11 capturing.
The 76ers have been in a number of shut finishes this month. Three video games have gone into time beyond regulation whereas all three of their losses within the final 10 days have come by six factors or much less.
Saturday’s recreation in Charlotte had a time adjustment due to impending wintry climate. The Hornets seen the assist they acquired and will likely be in search of extra because the area recovers from the storm.
“We received the perfect followers on the planet, probably the most loyal followers,” ahead Miles Bridges mentioned. “To come back out right here when it is about to be an ice storm, which means lots to us. So we needed to reward them with the win.”
–Area Degree Media
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