For only the second time this season, the 9-8 Philadelphia 76ers hold a chance to move two games above .500. Hours removed from their admirable, surprising 115-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers venture to Charlotte for a duel with the 4-14 Hornets, who have lost three consecutive games.
Philadelphia is 11th in net rating (plus-2.2), 16th in offensive rating (112.3) and sixth in defensive rating (110.1). Charlotte is 27th in net rating (minus-6.2), 30th in offensive rating (106.7) and 19th in defensive rating (113.0). Each team is missing its brightest stars. Due to a sprained left ankle, LaMelo Ball is set to miss his 16th game of the season.