Hornets vs. Sixers NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, March 1 (Value on total)

The Charlotte Hornets are struggling mightily as of late without LaMelo Ball, and now they’re on the second night of a back-to-back against a Philadelphia 76ers team that has not been the same since Joel Embiid tore his meniscus. 

Yet, the Sixers are heavily favored at home, but how should we bet on it? 

The Hornets are 6-4 ATS this season, but can we trust the Hornets after they were crushed by the Milwaukee Bucks in back-to-back games? I don’t want to go there against a Philly team that has been solid at home, going 15-9 ATS as home favorites.

Let’s break down the odds and my best bet – which is on the total – for this game. 

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Hornets vs. Sixers odds, spread and total

Hornets vs. Sixers how to watch

• Date: Friday, March 1
• Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Wells Fargo Center
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Southeast, NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Hornets record: 15-44
• Sixers record: 33-25

Hornets vs. Sixers injury reports

Hornets injury report

• Not submitted yet

Sixers injury report

• Robert Covington – out
• Joel Embiid – out
• Kenneth Lofton Jr. – out
• KJ Martin – questionable
• De’Anthony Melton – out
• Terquavion Smith – out

Hornets vs. Sixers key players to watch

Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is one of the few bright sides with the Hornets this season, and he scored 21 points in the loss to the Bucks on Thursday night. Miller has scored in double figures in 16 straight games. 

Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey: The All-Star guard is on a heater, averaging 27.9 points per game over his last seven matchups. Maxey is coming off a 32-point game in a loss to Boston, but he could have a big game against a Charlotte team that is one of the worst defensive squads in the NBA. 

Hornets vs. Sixers prediction and pick

I absolutely love the UNDER in this game. 

The Hornets’ offense has been terrible as of late, falling short of this total in four straight games. The team scored less than 100 points in each of those matchups, and now it takes on a Philly team that is No. 12 in the league in defensive rating. 

Philly has also struggled on offense without Joel Embiid, and the team has scored 104 or fewer points in five straight games. 

Sure, Charlotte struggles on defense, but the team has done enough on that side of the ball to keep going UNDER this number. 

Not only that, but the Sixers and Hornets are No. 16 and No. 19 in pace this season, so don’t be shocked if this game turns into more of a slog. 

I have to go UNDER with both of these teams down their stars. 

Pick: UNDER 212.5 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.