CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Philadelphia 76ers, looking to stabilize after a recent skid, visit the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Monday night in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions. Philadelphia (24-20) has lost three of its last four, including a 112-109 home defeat to the New York Knicks on Saturday. The 76ers have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 120.5 points in those four games. Their fortunes remain tied to the dominant play of center Joel Embiid, who is averaging 30.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists over his last 10 games. He posted 38 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in the loss to New York. The Hornets (18-28), meanwhile, have found a rhythm, winning four of their last five. They are coming off a 119-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday, fueled by a balanced attack. Second-year forward Brandon Miller has been a catalyst, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists in January. He notched a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against Washington. Charlotte’s recent surge includes impressive road wins over Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers. Guard LaMelo Ball, who had 20 points and 11 assists Saturday, provides the offensive tempo. The 76ers won the season’s first meeting, 125-121, in Philadelphia on Oct. 25. Embiid scored 32 points in that contest. For Philadelphia, this game begins a critical stretch where eight of their next nine are on the road. They host Milwaukee on Tuesday. Charlotte embarks on a two-game trip to Memphis and Dallas after this contest. Monday’s game will test Philadelphia’s ability to correct its defensive issues against a confident Charlotte offense. Containing Miller and Ball while leveraging Embiid’s interior advantage will be key for the 76ers to avoid a third straight loss.