Charlotte has been alternating spread wins and losses for the past three weeks, though by that measure would be do a cover tonight at the Nest vs. the Sixers. The Hornets do have consecutive wins, however, and have hit 52% or better from the floor in each of those successes. Last Thursday's romp at Orlando was especially impressive, with eight scoring in double-digits led by Brandon Miller's 20 points. Another reason to back Charlotte tonight is apparently no Joel Embiid for Philly, as Nick Nurse uses tonight for load management purposes. The floor hasn't dropped beneath the Sixers when Embiid is out (they're 10-9 in those games), but after scoring 30+ in his last four outings, his absence is hardly a positive. Play Hornets.
Are the Hornets all growed up enough to win a game like this? They are massively improved of late, healthy and getting a better team missing two of its best players in Joel Embiid and Paul George. It's just so rare we expect Charlotte to win, so that's what gives me pause. And I'm not sure there will be a huge home-court advantage with this moved up four hours due to wintry weather. But it's a dreaded one-game trip for the Sixers and the front end of a B2B for them.
Head coach Charles Lee said Miller (groin) will be re-evaluated over the weekend, and they expect to have more information by Monday, Steve Reed of The Associated Press reports.
Edgecombe recorded 19 points (8-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and four steals over 32 minutes in Friday's 119-95 loss to the Cavs.
Reid registered 14 points (6-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt), six rebounds, two assists, one steal and two turnovers across 26 minutes in Friday's 119-80 loss to the Celtics.
Miller (groin) won't return to Friday's game against the Celtics, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Miller (undisclosed) exited Friday's game against the Celtics, Owen O'Connor of SI.com reports.
Allen will start in Friday's game against the Celtics
Bona (neck) is listed as out for Friday's game versus the Cavaliers.
Schroder (thigh) is out for Friday's game versus Boston.
Diabate (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Boston, according to the Hornets' official injury report.
The Hornets recalled Steinbach from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Friday.
