Charlotte (0-1) at Philadelphia (0-2), 7:00 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia 76ers try to avoid their first 0-3 start in four years Friday when they welcome the Charlotte Bobcats to the Wachovia Center.

The 76ers opened their season Tuesday with a disappointing overtime setback to Milwaukee. Philadelphia led by seven points with 70 seconds left in regulation before the Bucks rallied to tie the game in the final seconds and eventually cruise to the victory.

Things did not improve for the Sixers on Wednesday as they were routed by the Detroit Pistons, 108-88. Allen Iverson put forth his second straight strong effort with 31 points, but Chris Webber struggled and Philadelphia did not make a 3-pointer.

The Sixers have not opened a campaign with three straight losses since they began 0-5 in 2001.

Charlotte kicked off its second season with a 109-105 overtime loss to Chicago on Wednesday. The Bobcats led by 23 in the early stages of the fourth quarter before the Bulls put together a furious rally to spoil Charlotte's season opener.

One bright spot for the Bobcats was Gerald Wallace, who tied a career high with 28 points and added five steals. Reigning Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor collected 16 points and 12 rebounds and Melvin Ely chipped in 13 and 15 off the bench for Charlotte, which shot under 41 percent (38-of-93).

The Bobcats lost all three meetings to the 76ers last season. Two of the matchups were decided by three points or fewer, but the other contest was a 112-80 rout on March 11.