Charlotte Hornets
2017-18 record: 36-46
2017-18 season series: 4-0, Sixers
2018-19 advantage: Sixers
The Hornets have been perpetually underwhelming for years now. Kemba Walker is an exciting star, but that’s about it. Miles Bridges and Malik Monk figure to inject some excitement into the second unit, but expecting a big leap in wins is ill-advised.
With his free agency upcoming, Walker could end up on the trade market. That’s something to look for, regardless of whether or not the Sixers get involved. He has the talent to shift the competitive balance — to some extent — if traded to the right situation.
The Sixers cruised through Charlotte last season, possessing too much firepower on both ends. We also got to see Joel Embiid clowning Dwight Howard, which will unfortunately be taking place further north this season.
In a weak Eastern Conference, Charlotte might push for the seventh or eighth seed. That’s about as high as expectations should get for a team in desperate need of a reset.