PREVIEW: The Philadelphia 76ers arrive in Charlotte without two of their top players, as Joel Embiid and Paul George sit out for injury management , leaving the team to lean heavily on its backcourt. Tyrese Maxey has stepped into a starring role, averaging nearly 30 points per game with stellar efficiency , while VJ Edgecombe provides 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as a dynamic rookie presence. The 76ers struggle from three-point range, ranking 25th in inefficient three-point shooting, and their defense against rim attacks ranks 30th , exposing vulnerabilities that Charlotte may be able to exploit. The Hornets hold a depth advantage and will look to register their first three-game winning streak since 371 days ago. Charlotte brings balanced offensive skills, ranking fourth in high spacing and fifth in high-frequency three-point shooting at 46.1 percent , giving them multiple scoring avenues against a shorthanded visitor. The home squad features four capable scorers in Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, each contributing roughly 19 to 20 points nightly. The Hornets are favored by 3.5 points , reflecting their home court advantage and the 76ers' personnel losses. Fresh off a 119-115 victory against Washington where Brandon Miller recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds while LaMelo Ball dished out 11 assists , Charlotte enters with strong momentum and a chance to build on their recent success.