The Philadelphia 76ers embark on a challenging road trip to Charlotte on January 26, 2026, carrying a 24-20 record that places them slightly ahead of the Hornets in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite this positional advantage, the Hornets enter the contest as narrow favorites, a status largely attributed to the significant absences plaguing the Philadelphia roster.
Injury Report: Key Players Sidelined for Both Teams
This game arrives at a particularly difficult juncture in the schedule for the 76ers, who are navigating a back-to-back set and have opted to rest crucial personnel. Charlotte, while also contending with its own injury concerns, will have its primary offensive weapons available on their home court, where they have faced struggles but remain a competitive force.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Breakdown
The Philadelphia 76ers will be severely shorthanded, missing two of their biggest stars. Joel Embiid and Paul George are both sidelined for left knee injury management. This decision appears to be tied to workload management rather than new setbacks, indicating a strategic rest approach. Additionally, MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are listed as doubtful due to G League assignments. On a positive note, Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to play, albeit while wearing a protective knee brace.
Charlotte Hornets Injury Breakdown
The Charlotte Hornets are not without their own personnel issues. Mason Plumlee remains out as he continues his recovery from groin surgery. KJ Simpson is unavailable due to a left hip flexor strain, and Antonio Reeves is out because of a G League assignment. Collin Sexton is listed as probable despite dealing with left hamstring soreness, while Tre Mann is questionable due to illness, leaving the Hornets somewhat thin in the backcourt behind their starting unit.
Injury Summary Table:
- 76ers Out: Joel Embiid (knee), Paul George (knee)
- 76ers Doubtful: MarJon Beauchamp (G League), Johni Broome (G League)
- Hornets Out: Mason Plumlee (groin), KJ Simpson (hip), Antonio Reeves (G League)
- Hornets Probable: Collin Sexton (hamstring)
- Hornets Questionable: Tre Mann (illness)
The absence of Joel Embiid is particularly impactful for Philadelphia, as it strips the team of its primary rim protector and rebounder, potentially opening significant space for Charlotte to attack the interior.
Head-to-Head History and Season Context
Historically, the 76ers hold a 68-60 edge over the Hornets in regular-season meetings. Earlier this season, Philadelphia secured a 125-121 victory at home on October 25, 2025. In that game, Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 28 points, and Quentin Grimes hit a crucial three-pointer late to seal the win. Charlotte now seeks to respond on its home floor, where it has posted an 8-13 record this season.
Season Statistics Snapshot
A look at the season stats reveals the strengths and weaknesses of both squads. The Philadelphia 76ers average 116.6 points per game, ranking them in the middle of the league. Rebounding has been a persistent issue, with the team near the bottom of the league at 44.0 rebounds per game. Defensively, however, the 76ers force turnovers at a strong rate. Tyrese Maxey leads the team, averaging an impressive 26.7 points, along with 3.5 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
The Charlotte Hornets rely heavily on a three-player scoring core. Brandon Miller leads the way, averaging 20.4 points per game. LaMelo Ball adds 19.3 points and 7 assists per contest while hitting an average of 4.1 three-pointers per game. Miles Bridges contributes a solid 18.7 points per game. Despite inconsistencies, the Hornets remain in the mix for a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference.
Key Season Stats Comparison:
- Record: 76ers: 24-20 (6th in East); Hornets: ~22-22 (play-in mix)
- Points Per Game (PPG): 76ers: 116.6 (15th in NBA); Hornets: ~115+
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 76ers: 44.0 (27th in NBA); Hornets: Solid, led by Miles Bridges
- Key Star: 76ers: Tyrese Maxey (26.7 PPG); Hornets: Brandon Miller (20.4 PPG)
Key Matchups and Game Outlook
The duel between Tyrese Maxey and LaMelo Ball is expected to dictate the pace and flow of the game. Maxey's ability to apply pressure on the ball could disrupt Charlotte's offensive rhythm, while Ball's elite passing and shooting will test a Philadelphia defense that is thinner without Embiid's presence. Andre Drummond is slated to fill in at center for the 76ers, but Charlotte's wings may hold a distinct advantage with Embiid off the floor.
If Collin Sexton is able to play, even in a limited capacity, his scoring punch off the bench could provide a vital additional option for the Hornets. With the total points line set at 227.5, the game is projected to be a higher-scoring affair, especially if fatigue from the back-to-back begins to affect the short-handed 76ers in the later stages.
Ultimately, Charlotte's relative lineup stability and the advantage of playing on their home court present a clear opportunity for the Hornets to capitalize against a depleted opponent. This matchup is poised to be a significant test of depth and resilience for both teams as they jockey for position in the competitive Eastern Conference.
