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Hornets vs. 76ers Preview: Odds, Lines, Predictions

By Evan Birchmore

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are back in action for the first time since clinching a postseason spot on Wednesday as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers for a matinee contest. The Hornets are riding high after securing their spot in the postseason while the 76ers are in a bit of a slump, having lost three straight games for the first time since December.

Keys to the Game

Limit Free Throws 

Philadelphia gets to the free throw line at an extremely high rate and takes advantage once they get there. The 76ers are currently attempting the third-most free throws per game in the NBA (23.7). They are leading the league in free throw percentage (82%) and percentage of points scored on free throws (17.9%).

Joel Embiid and James Harden are the primary catalysts of Philadelphia’s free throw proficiency. Embiid is leading the league in free throw attempts per game while Harden is third, and together they are scoring 17 points per game on free throws. The Hornets as a team score just 15.9 points per game on free throws, ranking 25th in the league. Charlotte commits 19.9 fouls per game as a team, the eleventh-most in the league. Limiting fouls and preventing Embiid and Harden from getting to the free throw line will go a long way towards a Hornets victory.

Gordon Hayward’s return 

Gordon Hayward is expected to return to the Charlotte lineup after missing the past 22 games with injury. Hayward has not played since February 7th and will almost certainly be on a minutes restriction of some sort. While the Hornets have hit their stride as of late, they are still a sub-.500 team without Hayward and an above .500 team with him. Two of Hayward’s three most prolific scoring performances of the season have come against Philadelphia, including a 30-point outing in a Hornets win in the last matchup. What Hayward’s role looks like and what impact h has on the game will be a major storyline to watch for this afternoon.

Odds and Moneyline provided by FanDuel

Point Spread: 76ers -5

Money line: 76ers -210 / Hornets +176

Over-Under: 228.5

Final Prediction

Charlotte is playing well at the right time and is getting another jolt of energy with Hayward’s return. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is looking to get back to winning ways after an 0-3 stretch that included a loss to a bad Detroit Pistons team. Philadelphia sits 2.5 games behind the first seed, and with their backs against the wall they will find their groove and get the win. With the game being close down the stretch, the 76ers will get the cover on made free throws as a result of intentional fouls. Finally, the over will hit as both teams are rested and should have fresh legs, leading to more made shots on both sides.

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