The Sixer Sense
Fansided

No Embiid, no Saric, no problem: Sixers beat Hornets 119-102

By Ken Jaskulski

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 1: The jersey of Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers as seen during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 1: The jersey of Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers as seen during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 1, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Philadelphia 76ers minus Joel Embiid and Dario Saric were led by Ben Simmons with 20 points and 15 assists in a 119-102 win over Charlotte. 

The Philadelphia 76ers took a page from the Philadelphia Eagles’ playbook with their “next man up” mentality and defeated the Charlotte Hornets 119-102 for their 10th straight win. Philly was without center Joel Embiid (orbital fracture) and Dario Saric (eblow), but still managed their second straight victory on this two-game road trip.

The 76ers, down 29-28 after the first quarter, outscored the Hornets by 14 points in the second and third quarters to hold a comfortable 91-78 at the end of three. Charlotte played the prior evening in Washington and is not headed for the playoffs. It showed late in the game as the Hornets could not make a final run against the spirited Sixers.

Philly again had balanced scoring as five players scored in double figures, led by Marco Belinelli (22), Ben Simmons (20), J.J. Redick (20), Robert Covington (17) and Ersan Ilyasova (16). Covington also contributed 11 rebounds and seven steals. Belinelli (9-10) and Redick (7-15) were very efficient shooting and Amir Johnson and Richaun Holmes combined for 10 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

More from Sixers News

Simmons was the difference in this game, contributing 15 assists to only one turnover and controlling the pace both offensively and defensively. Simmons is the runaway choice for the Rookie of the Year honors.

STAT GEEKS

The 76ers had their ninth straight game with over 30 assists. Philly had 36 assists on 48 made shots. Philly again shot well at 51 percent for the game (48-94) and 43 percent from three-point range (14-32).

The Sixers had 15 steals to only 14 turnovers. Philly is now 16 games over .500 (46-30) and in fourth place, 1/2 game ahead of Indiana.

THE MARKELLE FULTZ WATCH

Markelle Fultz played 16 minutes and had four points (2-5 shooting), one rebound and four assists to one turnover. Fultz also had a beautiful help side shot block that was called goal tending. Replay showed that it was a clean block. Fultz looks like he has played all season based on how comfortable he looks on the court.

Must Read: Remembering Sixers' 2012 playoff run and everything since

REF REPORT

Not too much complaining about the officiating other than the block they took away from Markelle Fultz. The Sixers only shot ten free throws (9-10), however they won’t get to the line much with Embiid out.

HEAD SCRATCHERS

What happened to Kemba Walker? His stat line (10 points on 2-7 shooting and four turnovers) suggests he left for vacation early.

Why does Robert Covington have to complain to the officials after every call? The vast majority of foul calls against Covington are correct. Robert is one of those players that will get fouls called on him based off his prior history in the league committing sometimes foolish fouls.

Why does Ilyasova, with five fouls, run straight out at a shooter? Some shots are better off going unchallenged.

Does anyone beside me think that Brett Brown should lose the jacket without a tie look?

Next: What's in every Sixer's Easter basket?

NEXT GAME: Tuesday v.s. Brooklyn