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 narrowly favored, largely due to who won’t be on the court for Philadelphia.The game comes at a difficult time in the schedule for the 76ers, who are managing back-to-back games and resting key players. Charlotte, while also dealing with injuries, will have its leading scorers available at home, where they have struggled but remain competitive.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Injury Breakdown (January 26, 2026)
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George tonight, as both players are out with left knee injuries. The absences are related to workload control, not new injury problems.MarJon Beauchamp and Johni Broome are listed as doubtful due to their current G League assignments. Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to play and will do so with a knee brace.Charlotte misses 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 due to illness, leaving the Hornets with little defense behind their starters.
| Equipment | Outside | Likely | Questionable/Doubtful |
| 76ers | Embiid (knee), George (knee) | – | Beauchamp (G League), Broome (G League) |
| Hornets | Plumlee (groin), Simpson (hip), Reeves (G League) | Sexton (biceps femoris) | Mann (disease) |
Without Embiid, Philadelphia loses rim protection and rebounding, which opens up space for Charlotte to attack inside.
Head-to-head history between Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets
The 76ers have a 68-60 advantage 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 scored three key goals late to seal the game.Charlotte now has a chance to respond on its own court, where it has an 8-13 record this season.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets Season Stats Summary
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 making 4.1 three-pointers per game and Miles Bridges contributes 18.7 points. The Hornets remain in contention for a play-in spot.
| Category | 76ers | Hornets |
| Record | 24-20 (6th East) | ~22-22 (input mix) |
| PPG | 116.6 (15º) | ~115+ |
| role play | 44.0 (27) | Solid through bridges |
| key star | Maxey 26.7 points per game | Miller 20.4 points per game |
Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets: Key matchups and game outlook
Maxey and Ball will set the pace. Maxey’s ability to pressure the ball could disrupt Charlotte’s offense, while Ball’s passing and shooting tests a thinner Philadelphia defense. Andre Drummond takes the center spot, but Charlotte’s fullbacks have the advantage without Embiid on the court.If Sexton plays, even the 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 hits Philadelphia late.The stability of Charlotte’s lineup and its home court give the Hornets a clear opportunity to take advantage of a shorthanded opponent.
