As the Philadelphia 76ers have gone through a competitive era in the Eastern Conference, with Joel Embiid running the show, the Charlotte Hornets have consistently been in the rebuilding conversation.
At last, the Hornets have managed to turn things around. They haven’t made the Detroit or Toronto flip just yet, entering the top 6 as March closes down, but they have a chance.
Suddenly, the March 28 matchup between the Sixers and the Hornets carries a ton of weight for both sides. Going into the game, though, the latter team is staring at a scary record.
Joel Embiid Is Incredibly Successful vs Charlotte Hornets
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As Underdog pointed out, Embiid has played the Hornets 21 times in his career. Just one of those games resulted in a loss.
via Underdog: Joel Embiid is 20-1 in his career vs the Hornets
The Hornets are one game behind the Sixers for the 7-seed in the East
The Hornets are one game behind the Sixers for the 7-seed in the East
The Hornets are catching the Sixers at an unfortunate time.
Throughout March, Embiid has been off the court for most of the month. After a February 26 game against the Miami Heat, Embiid was diagnosed with an oblique strain.
The veteran center was off the court for every March matchup leading up to the Sixers’ most recent outing on March 25. The team took on the Chicago Bulls at home. Embiid was cleared for the matchup and checked in for 28 minutes.
The 76ers dominated the Bulls. Embiid shot 12-17 from the field, making all of his threes. He finished the game with 35 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and one block.
Going into Charlotte, the Sixers didn’t leave any questions about Embiid’s status. He was left off the injury report. Therefore, he’s cleared to play.
Beyond the record, Joel Embiid has averaged 30.1 points per game in his career against the Hornets. He averages nearly 60% from the field.
The Battle For The East’s 7th Seed
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on November 04, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Sixers and the Hornets are both attempting to crack the playoffs without going through the tournament.
Lately, the Sixers have been doing well considering the circumstances, winning six of their last 10 games.
But no Eastern Conference team has been hotter than the Hornets. With a 39-34 record, the Hornets have won their last five games. That’s the longest active streak in the conference. They are 7-3 over their last 10 games.
The Sixers defeated the Hornets 125-121 back in October to secure their 11th-straight win over Charlotte. The Hornets snapped the streak with a major 130-93 victory on January 26.
Saturday’s game will tip off at 6 PM ET.