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Struggling Sixers hope to get well against Bobcats

Mar 19, 2012 - 2:38 PM (Sports Network) - Perhaps a showdown with the NBA's worst team is what the Philadelphia 76ers need to get back on track, as they pay a visit to the Charlotte Bobcats tonight at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The 76ers have lost three in a row since a three-game winning streak and five of their last eight games, including Saturday's 89-80 setback against the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls from the United Center.

Jrue Holiday netted a career-high 30 points to go along with five assists and five rebounds for the Sixers, who fell to 9-11 away from home and now sit just 1 1/2 games ahead of Boston for the Atlantic Division lead. The 76ers were also coming off a tough loss to Miami the night before.

"Anybody we play, we're going to give them a fight, but I think we like playing Chicago," Holiday said. "They are one of the top teams and they have the MVP, so we're always going to step up against them."

Spencer Hawes added 10 points and seven boards in defeat, while Lou Williams was held to nine points and Andre Iguodala added seven for Philadelphia. The Sixers are currently seeded fourth in the East.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats recorded just their third win in 13 tries with Saturday's 107-103 triumph over Toronto behind Gerald Henderson's team-high 24 points.

"My teammates worked hard out there and they found me," said Henderson. "It's easy when you're open to hit the shots. We had a tough start to the season but we are getting better."

D.J. Augustin recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 assists, while Corey Maggette chipped in 21 points for the Bobcats, who improved to 4-15 as the host this season. The Bobcats have won six straight against the Raptors.

Charlotte, which is last in the Southeast Division, is in the midst of playing three straight and six of seven games as the host. Maggette is listed as doubtful for Monday's game due to a sore back and is averaging 19.1 points per game in his previous nine contests. Maggette has scored in double figures in 17 of his last 18 games, averaging 17.6 ppg in that stretch.

Henderson has scored in double figures in 15 of his last 20 games played, including four games of 20 points or more, and is averaging 14.4 points during the run.

Charlotte has lost two in a row to Philadelphia this season and four of the last five matchups between the teams. The Sixers haven't played so well in the Tar Heel State, dropping 10 of their last 12 visits there.