Sixers vs. Hornets: Will Philadelphia’s win streak continue?

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets wednesday night. Will the Sixers be able to stop the Hornets’ talented young guard?

January has been a fruitful month for Doc Rivers and the Philadelphia 76ers. Determination, teamwork, and perseverance have helped the city of Brotherly Love welcome in the new year. As the season progresses, the Sixers will continue to make improvements. The team’s seven-game win streak has caught the attention of upcoming opponents, one of which is the Charlotte Hornets.

Sixers: Slowing down young talent

Monday night’s four-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks has given Ball and the Hornets some much-needed momentum. Ball’s 27 points and seven rebounds motivated aided his team in a third quarter comeback.

With help from veteran shooting guard Terry Rozier, the Hornets were able to outscore the Bucks 56-51 in the second half of the game. The victory against the former NBA champions showed their other teams across the league the potential that Charlotte’s young roster has.

As the young players on the Charlotte roster learn how to trust the process, fans in Philadelphia are enjoying the process’s fruits. After struggling with consistency in December, the Sixers have made it a goal to have a better January. With the distractions of the Ben Simmons saga further behind them, the Sixers have been focusing on getting better as each game comes.

The development in the play Tyrese Maxey has been one of the differences in the Sixers on-court performances. His 16.8 points per game and 4.5 assist average have helped the Sixers keep their seven-game winning streak alive.

Maxey’s thirty-five minutes per game average is also the third-highest minute average in the. Sixers’ rotation. Increases in Maxey’s minutes are a direct result of how much of an impact he has while on the floor. While teams adjust to the newest addition to the Sixers’ arsenal, players like Embiid have made the most of the shift in attention.

Sixers: Standing on veteran leadership

Veteran leadership has played a vital part in the 76ers’ season. After rumors spread of Simmons’ hold out, players in the Philadelphia locker room began to take more of a leadership role. Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris welcomed this challenge with open arms. The pressure of performing well in crucial moments has been a cause for concern for Embiid in previous seasons.

Injuries have hindered the Sixers’ All-Star Center from being able to lead his team in seasons prior, but this year is different. Since returning from the NBA’s health and safety protocol, Embiid has been on fire.

His 27.0 points per game average have been the catalyst for his team and surrounding teammates. Rebounding has also been a strong suit for the Sixers’ five-year All-Star. The 76ers have benefitted from the big man’s 10.6 rebounding average. If Embiid continues his heat check, the Sixers will be able to keep their streak alive.

Harris and the Philadelphia 76ers will focus on keeping their winning alive against the Hornets on Wednesday night. The young talent of Charlotte will force the Sixers to take more control over their offensive possessions. If the 76ers can rely on their veterans to play an efficient game, the result should be in Philadelphia’s favor.