Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) handles the ball defended by Philadelphia 76ers forward/guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Hornets clear hurdle, beat 76ers for first time since 2022

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 5:35 PM ET

For the first time in 1,159 days, the Charlotte Hornets have knocked off the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte came away from Monday's early afternoon game with a 130-93 win over Philadelphia, snapping a winless drought against the 76ers that lasted over three years.

The 76ers were without two of their stars in Joel Embiid and Paul George, but it was still an uninspiring performance from the Eastern Conference's No. 6 seed.

Charlotte's starting five continues to thrive

The starting unit of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate continued to shine in Monday's win. Charlotte improved to 9-1 in games when it runs out that starting five.

That same starting unit for the Hornets has also produced the highest NET rating of any starting five across the NBA this season. Entering Monday's game, the starting unit of Charlotte has a +29.1-point differential, the best point differential of any five-man lineup in the NBA this season.

On the season, Charlotte's lineup of LaMelo Ball-Brandon Miller-Kon Knueppel-Miles Bridges-Moussa Diabate has a +29.1 point differential.

+29.1 is the highest point differential of any five-man lineup in the NBA (min. 200 poss.) per @cleantheglass.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 24, 2026

Hornets secured first winning streak this season with Monday's win

A stellar performance from Miller headlined the win for the Hornets, as he poured in 30 points and collected eight rebounds. Each of the other four starters for Charlotte reached double figures for the third consecutive game.

Before Monday, the Hornets had not yet reeled off three straight wins at any point this season. The brief three-game winning streak has improved Charlotte's record to 19-28 on the season, the closest it has been to a .500 record since Dec. 26.

Hornets in January:

— 1st in offense
— 6th in defense
— 1st in net rating

Balling. pic.twitter.com/ba1EBePTxX
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 26, 2026

Charlotte has a real chance at sneaking into the play-in tournament

With continued efforts like the one shown by Charlotte on Monday, the Hornets could very well be headed toward their first appearance in the NBA playoffs since the 2021-22 season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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