The Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets will meet on Saturday night in a game that could have major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

The Sixers, who sit seventh in the standings in the East, enter the evening just one game ahead of the Hornets, who are currently eighth in the conference. 

It will be the third and final meeting of the season between the teams. The Sixers and Hornets split the first two matchups, so whoever wins on Saturday night will claim the tiebreaker in the season series, which could be extremely important should the teams finish the regular season with identical records.

Joel Embiid will play vs. Hornets on Saturday night

When it comes to Joel Embiid’s status for the game in Charlotte, the Sixers are in luck. The big man isn’t listed on the official injury report for the game, indicating that he’ll be good to go.

It will be the second consecutive game played by Embiid following an extended stint on the sideline due to an oblique strain.

Embiid played in his first game in the month of March against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, and it didn’t take him long to look like his old self. In 28 minutes of action against the Bulls Embiid tallied 35 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. 

On the season, the big fella has played in 34 games for Philadelphia and posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per performance. 

More Philadelphia 76ers news:Â