The Charlotte Hornets (33 - 43) kept their playoff hopes alive as they narrowly edged out the Philadelphia 76ers (18 - 59), 92 - 91. Ish Smith missed two free throws with 10 seconds remaining, opening the door for Gerald Henderson’s game - winning layup moments later. Smith followed up with an awry layup attempt at the buzzer that was altered by Bismack Biyombo. The Hornets tied the Indiana Pacers for the 10th best record in the East, just one and a half games out of the playoff picture before the day began. Al Jefferson was ruled out prior to the game after leaving Friday’s game with right knee soreness. Kemba Walker scored a game - high 24 points, picking up where he left off when Jefferson missed time earlier this season. Mo Williams chipped in 18 points off the bench, and Jefferson’s replacement, Bismack Biyombo, blocked three shots in 32 minutes. One night after scoring all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, Lance Stephenson played a team - low seven minutes and was held scoreless. He’s currently 16 - of - 100 on three - pointers for the season, the worst mark in NBA of anyone attempting at least 100 threes. Already without the injured Isaiah Canaan, Thomas Robinson and Jason Richardson, the Sixers endured a blow when Nerlens Noel suffered a right lower eyelid laceration. He didn’t return, finished the game with one block and one steal in 11 minutes. The Sixers more than doubled their yearly block number, swatting 14 shots as a team. Jerami Grant accounted for six of the team’s blocks, adding 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two three - pointers in the loss. Robert Covington, who replaced JaKarr Sampson in the starting lineup, scored 15 points and hit three three - pointers. The Sixers were unable to capitalize at the charity stripe, converting 24 - of - 33 free throws. The Hornets begin a span of five games in seven nights Tuesday when they face the Miami Heat. The Sixers conclude a three - game road trip Saturday against the New York Knicks.
["TeamStat(G,'Hornets') has 43 Losses ,has 92 Total points ,has 33 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'76ers') has 59 Losses ,has 91 Total points ,has 18 Wins ."]