Hornets vs 76ers Picks, Prediction Today | Friday, March 1

Here's everything you need to know about Hornets vs. 76ers on Friday, March 1 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Charlotte Hornets take on the Philadelphia 76ers in what will be a wholly uneventful game from a playoff implications standpoint, but should have some notable betting angles, nonetheless. Hornets vs 76ers tips off at 7 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. The 76ers are 11-point favorites (-11) and the total is set at over/under 214 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Let's get to our Hornets vs. 76ers pick and Hornets vs 76ers prediction.

Pick: Under 214.5 | Play to 213.5

Aside from three rough losses to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Hornets have played good basketball since the trade deadline. They’ve been outscored 354-268 by the surging Bucks in three games since Feb. 9, but outside of those three, they are 5-1 straight up and against the spread.

Charlotte's success has been the result of some moves, namely in its backcourt. The Hornets acquired Vasilije Micić and Tre Mann from the Thunder, both of whom have been positive additions.

Mann, in particular, has shined defensively, and his impact is reflected in the Hornets' team defensive numbers. Since Mann joined the team, the Hornets have a 105.7 Defensive Rating — third in the league over that span — and the total hasn't gone over in a single game yet with him in the starting lineup.

Center Nick Richards has played well since the arrival of the new additions and has been a surprising anchor to the Hornets' defense. Richards is averaging 12.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game since the deadline, up from his season average of 9.8 points and 8.1 rebounds. A look to his rebounds could be a good bet against the 76ers, who are 21st in rebounding percentage without Joel Embiid.

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The 76ers have struggled to find footing since their big man’s absence. Without the attention Embiid draws inside the paint on offense, opposing defenses can cheat on the perimeter and risk a blow-by without paying too dearly — especially defenses with decent rim protection. The result? Philadelphia's offense has fallen off a cliff. It’s plummeted from fourth before Embiid’s injury to 23rd in the month of February, and the 76ers are scoring eight fewer points per 100 possessions.

The 76ers' defensive drop-off has been even worse. Without Embiid, rim protection is hard to come by. Paul Reed is a decent enough rim protector — averaging 1.3 blocks per game since taking over full-time duties — but after he sits, there’s not much help in that department. Mo Bamba has been in and out of the lineup, but even when he’s in, the defensive ceiling isn’t high enough for how much he gives up offensively.

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Despite Philadelphia's defensive troubles, the Under is a great look here. It’s already been bet down from 218.5 at open down to 216.5, and I expect that to keep moving.

The Hornets already skew under and they’ll be playing their fourth game in six nights. I don’t think they’ll be looking to push the pace. And the 76ers are just 18th in pace without Embiid. Bet the Under down to 213.5.

Pick: Under 214.5 | Play to 213.5