The Charlotte Hornets haven’t played often in December against teams with a worse record than them in recent years, but that doesn’t necessarily make Tuesday night’s task any easier, when the Hornets will receive a visit from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers have won just four games this season, but two of those have come across their last four outings. They’ll try again for their first back-to-back wins of the season after excelling in a 111-96 victory at Detroit on Saturday.
The Hornets are in a rut, dropping five straight games and seven of eight overall. They also are going through more adjustments to the rotation with injuries striking again.
“We have a really good team. These guys believe in one another and in the game plan that’s going on,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said. “No matter who plays, and as we continue to get guys back. … We’re going to be the same competitive squad that’s going to go out and defend at a high level.”
Half of Philadelphia’s victories have come on the road. One of the home triumphs came Nov. 10 when the Sixers defeated the Hornets 107-105 in overtime, receiving a boost from rookie guard Jared McCain’s 27 points.
In the nine games since then, McCain has been Philadelphia’s leading scorer five times.
The 76ers are coping with injuries as well. Backcourt players Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) have been ailing, meaning that McCain might be called upon for some duties at point guard.
“That’s kind of new for him,” Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said. “There’s like no other point guards over there at the moment.”
McCain didn’t play point guard during his one season at Duke, so it’s a transition period for him if he’s moved to that role.
“Just getting used to it is definitely something I’m trying to do,” McCain said. “I always try to be myself, though, out there. I know how to score. That’s the main thing.”
The Hornets received bad news over the weekend that guards LaMelo Ball (calf) and Tre Mann (back) will miss extended time, likely two weeks or more, so that’s a blow to the roster.
“Their presence will be missed and have been missed,” Lee said.
Charlotte could receive more offense from Brandon Miller, who already is producing at a high rate. He has seven consecutive games with at least 20 points, eclipsing 30 three times during that stretch.
Miller’s role as the go-to scorer has meant a boost in his shot attempts, launching 23 or more in four of the last six games. He hit only 10 of 30 in Saturday’s 107-104 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
On the plus side for Charlotte, the Hornets will try to get more from the return of center Nick Richards, who was back in action during the weekend after missing about a month because of a rib injury.
“It was great to see him out there,” Lee said. “I thought defensively he helped us protect the paint. Sometimes he covered some of the mistakes. With defensive rebounding, it’s nice sometimes to have that big on big and not have to have to have our smalls down there battling.”
