Charlotte Hornets approaching daunting four game stretch

11/17 vs Philadelphia 76ers

The Charlotte Hornets will be out for revenge against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, as the Sixers won an overtime thriller against Charlotte on Friday. Things will be a lot different this time around, though.

Since that loss, the 76ers made a bold move, trading for former Minnesota Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler. Butler will bring his obvious two-way prowess to Philadelphia, along with his toughness and winning attitude.  This team is looking to make a run in the Eastern Conference this year.

The big standout from that overtime loss against Philadelphia was the monster game from Joel Embiid. He’s so tough to contain, especially when he is getting to the free-throw line, it makes him almost impossible to guard.

Embiid finished that game with 42 points and 18 rebounds, while going 19-22 from the foul line. The Hornets cannot let Embiid have a performance like this again. I know, that’s easier said than done. However, it wouldn’t surprise me to see James Borrego throw multiple bodies his way and even double-team at times.

If they can do a better job on Embiid, get off to a quicker start and play team defense like they did in Detroit, they’ll give themselves a chance to win. The 76ers depth will be tested early on in the Jimmy Butler era.