The Sixers are coming off a WIN game (they haven’t been able to write that much this year), downing the Chicago Bulls 157-137. They now head to Charlotte to face one of the hottest teams in the league in what could be the most important game with long stakes.
Why does the March regular season carry so much weight? The Sixers and Hornets have met twice this season, splitting the series 1-1, which is a decider. Whoever wins wins the playoff between the two teams flying in the same spot in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte is one game away now, and with how close these records would end up being, that tiebreaker is still in play. A Sixers win adds to the cushion. The loss pulls the Hornets right into a surprise spot.
Charlotte has become one of the better stories in the league this season, and a lot of it starts with Kon Knueppel. The rookie put together one of the strongest campaigns we’ve seen in years, averaging 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists on a near 50-40-90 clip. Tonight he will go head to head with VJ Edgecombe, another rookie who looks beyond his years on the other side. Two first-year players, brought back in the draft, compete in a game with real playoff implications – it’s a very compelling segment.
Since freshman year, the Hornets have been one of the better teams in basketball. Their offense has climbed to fifth in the league, their defense is ranked 12th. A bad record is often a cruel playoff game, but they are back to being a playoff team – a real playoff spot on the table.
Familiar names surround the roster: LaMelo Ball, still one of the most talented players in the league even if consistency comes and goes, along with Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner as strong rotation pieces. This will also be our first look at Coby White in a Hornets uniform since the trade deadline.
For the Sixers, things finally feel like they are moving in the right direction. The Bulls haven’t exactly been a scoring team this season, but putting up 157 points with Joel Embiid and Paul George combining for 60+ is still a statement. Both guys looked young, well traveled and put on offensive clinics. George in particular was good on both sides. Four steals and a block followed his scoring output, and having this kind of smooth, versatile wing back at the line was a much-needed addition.
Edgecombe has maintained his strong play as well. It wasn’t his greatest statistical night, but he did a good job of managing life with Embiid and George during that time, letting them work while building their own momentum. He shot 7-of-9 from the field, which tells you how clean his chances were to play the two stars who attract all the attention. That role of sharing the load suits him well, but tonight is a different test. The Hornets have no shortage of guards, so Edgecombe will need to be sharp on both ends.
There are some important risk factors that you should always be aware of when entering this area. For the first time since his injury, Tyrese Maxey is not listed as out – he is questionable with a toe strain, which is an encouraging sign. Kelly Oubre Jr. he also has his doubts but told reporters yesterday that he expects to agree. That leaves Johni Broome as the only Sixer who could sit out. On the Charlotte side, Tidjane Salaun is the only player listed outside of the G League assignments.
This is an important game for both teams and could end up being the deciding factor depending on how the playoffs and playoffs unfold. Edgecombe now has the reinforcements he needs for the Sixers to come out on top. Let’s see if they can win the first few games that could be important in their playoff run.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6 PM EST
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
See: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
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