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After Historic Debut, 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe Ready for Hornets
After a record-setting debut that had Philadelphia buzzing, rookie VJ Edgecombe is back on the court Saturday night as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Charlotte Hornets at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Edgecombe’s 34-point performance against the Boston Celtics broke Allen Iverson’s franchise debut record and set the tone for what could be a special rookie campaign.
For the 76ers, the focus now shifts to proving that opening-night magic wasn’t a fluke — especially against a Hornets team that opened their season with a dominant win over Brooklyn.
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Game Information
Matchup: Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: NBCS
Odds: 76ers -6.0 (-111) | Hornets +6.0 (-110) | O/U 232.5
Track live line movement, totals, and public betting splits on the ScoresAndStats NBA Odds page.
Philadelphia 76ers
It’s been a long time since Philadelphia fans felt this kind of excitement around a young guard. VJ Edgecombe’s debut wasn’t just a scoring outburst — it was a statement. The 20-year-old looked comfortable from tipoff, displaying a polished handle, fearlessness attacking the rim, and elite athleticism that electrified the Wells Fargo Center crowd.
“It’s just basketball. I’ve been putting in the work. My teammates trust me, and I trust them,” Edgecombe said postgame, showing the poise of a seasoned veteran.
Alongside Tyrese Maxey, who scored 40 points in the win, Edgecombe gives the Sixers one of the fastest, most dynamic backcourts in the Eastern Conference. Their combined 74 points against Boston showcased a pace-and-space identity that coach Nick Nurse has been trying to implement since taking over.
Joel Embiid, still shaking off rust after an injury-plagued 2024-25, struggled with just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in his return. Yet even with Embiid below form, Philadelphia’s transition attack and perimeter defense carried them past a Celtics team loaded with firepower.
The Sixers’ balance between tempo and defense stood out: they made 16 three-pointers (6th in the NBA) and held Boston to just 25.6% from deep, currently the best defensive mark in the league. Their challenge now is consistency — turning one headline performance into sustained momentum.
Explore full player stats, matchup insights, and injury reports for this game on the NBA Teams page.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets opened their season with a 136-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, a game that hinted at a more cohesive, balanced offense under new head coach Charles Lee. Charlotte led the league in scoring after opening night and displayed one of the best shooting splits in the NBA, hitting 47.2% from three and ranking second in effective field goal percentage (62.2%).
Sophomore star Brandon Miller led the way with 25 points and seven assists, while LaMelo Ball added 20 points and eight assists, commanding the offense with pace and creativity. Lee’s decision to start rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner paid off — Knueppel hit three triples, and Kalkbrenner posted a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double in his debut.
The Hornets also showed surprising defensive focus, limiting Brooklyn to just 38 rebounds — the third-lowest mark allowed in the NBA after one game. Their ability to defend the glass will be tested against Embiid and the Sixers’ interior size, but the Hornets’ offensive spacing and tempo give them tools to trade blows with anyone early in the season.
Lee was encouraged by the effort but wants more discipline:
“We played with great pace, but we’ve got to value every possession. The goal is consistency — not just flashes.”
Get updated player projections, advanced shooting data, and team trends for Charlotte on the NBA Picks hub.
Betting Insights and Trends
This matchup features two fast-paced offenses, both coming off strong shooting performances. Early-season volatility makes totals intriguing — and both teams have shown they can run up the scoreboard.
Key Betting Trends:
- The 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as home favorites.
- The Hornets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as road underdogs.
- The total has gone Over in six of Philadelphia’s last eight home games.
- Charlotte has hit the Over in four of its last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
With the total set at 232.5, oddsmakers expect fireworks. Both teams thrive in transition, and the presence of Maxey, Edgecombe, and Ball ensures a fast pace. However, Philly’s defense against perimeter shooters could suppress Charlotte’s efficiency if Embiid anchors the paint effectively.
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Matchup Breakdown
Expect an up-tempo start with both backcourts trading highlight plays. The Hornets rely on ball movement and spacing, while the 76ers push downhill through Maxey and Edgecombe’s athleticism. If Embiid finds rhythm early, Charlotte’s defense will struggle to adjust — but if the Hornets’ shooters stay hot from deep, they can hang inside the number.
Philadelphia will likely attack through mismatches, forcing Charlotte to rotate and defend in transition. Conversely, Lee’s group will aim to exploit Embiid’s conditioning by running at every opportunity.
For full offensive and defensive rankings comparison, check the NBA Teams analytics dashboard.
Prediction
The Hornets are improved and confident, but the Sixers’ energy at home — combined with the Maxey-Edgecombe duo — makes them a tough out. Expect Philadelphia to control tempo and feed off the crowd, while Charlotte keeps things competitive with hot early shooting.
Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers 121, Charlotte Hornets 113
Best Bets: 76ers -6 | Under 232.5
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