Skip to content
Opinion
Link copied to clipboard

Sixers-Hornets preview: Seeking 13th straight win at Wells Fargo Center

Hornets center Dwight Howard is averaging 15.9 points and 12.4 rebounds.

Charlotte center Dwight Howard (12), getting fouled by Orlando center Bismack Biyombo, and his Hornets teammates are 28-34.
Charlotte center Dwight Howard (12), getting fouled by Orlando center Bismack Biyombo, and his Hornets teammates are 28-34.Read morePhelan M. Ebenhack / AP
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Charlotte Hornets (28-34) at 76ers (33-27)

Friday at 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

On paper, this looks like an easy one for a Sixers squad coming off Thursday night's huge road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. But don't let the Hornets' losing record fool you. Before Wednesday's lopsided loss to the Boston Celtics, Charlotte had won five straight games. The Hornets also boast an all-star in point guard Kemba Walker and have an athletic team. The Sixers can't afford to take them lightly in their quest to win their 13th straight game at the Wells Fargo Center.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Sports Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @NBASarah; @sjnard

Starting lineups

Hornets (28-34)

14 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF 6-7  9.6 ppg. 4.3 rpg

2 Marvin Williams PF 6-9  9.5 ppg. 4.8 apg.

12 Dwight Howard C 6-11 15.9 ppg. 12.4 rpg.

5 Nicolas Batum SG 6-8  11.8 ppg. 5.2 apg.

15 Kemba Walker PG 6-1 23.1 ppg. 5.8 rpg.

Coach: Steve Cliffird (fifth season, 188-202)

Injury report:  Kidd-Gilchrist (left-hamstring soreness, questionable); Cody Zeller (left-knee soreness, questionable).

Sixers (32-27)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  12.5 ppg. 5.6 rpg

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  14.7 ppg. 7.0 rpg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 23.8 ppg. 11.2 rpg.

17 JJ Redick SG 6-4  16.7 ppg. 3.2 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 16.6 ppg. 7.4 apg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 108-280)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (shoulder rehabilitation and working on his shot, out); Justin Anderson (sprained right ankle, out); Demetrius Jackson (left adductor strain, out); Furkan Korkmaz (Lisfranc injury, left foot, out).

Head to head

The Hornets hold a 58-42 series advantage.

Coming games

Sunday: 8 p.m., at BMO Harris Bradley Center, Sixers vs. Milwaukee Bucks.

Tuesday: 7 p.m., at Spectrum Center, Sixers vs. Hornets

Thursday: 7:30 p.m., at American Airlines Center, Sixers vs. Heat

March 11: 7:30 p.m., at Barclays Center, Sixers vs. Brooklyn Nets

March 13: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Indiana Pacers vs. Sixers