Game Preview
The struggling Charlotte Hornets (6-14) look to snap their current five-game skid as they host the Philadelphia 76ers (4-14) on Tuesday night. While both teams have endured rocky starts to the season, the 76ers have shown signs of life recently with a 2-3 record over their last five games.
Charlotte's offensive woes have been glaring, as they've mustered just 99.8 points per game during their losing streak, a stark contrast to their season average of 107.5. Their shooting numbers have plummeted, hitting a mere 39.5 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep over the last five games. Maintaining intensity on both ends has also been an issue, as they've allowed 104.8 points while grabbing just 45.4 rebounds per contest during this stretch.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, has found a bit more offensive rhythm in their recent games, averaging 109.8 points while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor. They've also tightened up defensively, limiting opponents to 111.6 points per game, a slight improvement over their season mark. The 76ers have also shown more activity on the glass, with 41.2 rebounds per game, and their 10.8 steals suggest a renewed commitment to disrupting opposing offenses.
While neither team has set the league ablaze, the recent trajectories of these struggling squads seem to be diverging. Charlotte's offensive struggles coupled with Philadelphia's increased intensity on both ends could make for a long night for the home team if current trends persist. The 76ers will look to build on their marginal improvements and continue climbing back toward respectability, while the Hornets desperately need to rediscover their scoring touch and defensive tenacity to avoid extending their losing skid.