The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Charlotte on January 26 with a 24-20 record, slightly ahead of the Hornets in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite that, Charlotte enters the game favored by a narrow margin, largely due to who will not be on the floor for Philadelphia.The game comes at a difficult spot in the schedule for the 76ers, who are managing a back-to-back and resting key players. Charlotte, while also dealing with injuries, will have its primary scorers available at home, where they have struggled but remain competitive.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Injury Breakdown (January 26, 2026)
Philadelphia 76ers will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George, both sidelined for left knee injury management. The decision appears tied to workload rather than new setbacks. MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are listed as doubtful because of G League assignments. Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to play while wearing a knee brace.Charlotte is missing Mason Plumlee, who is still recovering from groin surgery. KJ Simpson is out with a left hip flexor strain, and Antonio Reeves is unavailable due to a G League assignment. Collin Sexton is listed as probable despite left hamstring soreness. Tre Mann is questionable because of illness, leaving the Hornets thin in the backcourt behind their starters.
| Team | Out | Probable | Questionable/Doubtful |
| 76ers | Embiid (knee), George (knee) | – | Beauchamp (G League), Broome (G League) |
| Hornets | Plumlee (groin), Simpson (hip), Reeves (G League) | Sexton (hamstring) | Mann (illness) |
Without Embiid, Philadelphia loses rim protection and rebounding, which opens space for Charlotte to attack inside.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Head-to-Head History
The 76ers hold a 68-60 edge over the Hornets in regular-season meetings. Earlier this season, Philadelphia won 125-121 at home on October 25, 2025. Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points, and Quentin Grimes hit a key three late to seal the game.Charlotte now gets a chance to respond on its own floor, where it holds an 8-13 record this season.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Season Stats Snapshot
Philadelphia averages 116.6 points per game, ranking in the middle of the league. Rebounding has been an issue, with the team near the bottom at 44.0 per game. Defensively, the 76ers force turnovers at a strong rate. Maxey leads the team with 26.7 points, along with 3.5 rebounds and 6 assists per game.Charlotte relies on a three-player scoring core. Brandon Miller averages 20.4 points, LaMelo Ball adds 19.3 points and 7 assists while hitting 4.1 threes per game, and Miles Bridges contributes 18.7 points. The Hornets remain in the mix for a play-in spot.
| Category | 76ers | Hornets |
| Record | 24-20 (6th East) | ~22-22 (play-in mix) |
| PPG | 116.6 (15th) | ~115+ |
| RPG | 44.0 (27th) | Solid via Bridges |
| Key Star | Maxey 26.7 PPG | Miller 20.4 PPG |
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Key Matchups and Game Outlook
Maxey and Ball will dictate the pace. Maxey’s ability to pressure the ball could disrupt Charlotte’s offense, while Ball’s passing and shooting test a thinner Philadelphia defense. Andre Drummond fills in at center, but Charlotte’s wings have an advantage without Embiid on the floor.If Sexton plays, even limited minutes could matter. His scoring off the bench adds another option for Charlotte. With the total set at 227.5, the game points toward a higher-scoring contest, especially if fatigue affects Philadelphia late.Charlotte’s lineup stability and home court give the Hornets a clear opportunity to take advantage of a short-handed opponent.
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