New Orleans Pelicans Beat Philadelphia 76ers 126-111
The New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday. The Pelicans defeated the 76ers 126-111 in the nonconference game. New Orleans improved to 16-42, while Philadelphia fell to 30-26 and is on a four-game losing skid.
In Case You Missed It
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a 139-118 rout at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Smoothie King Center on Friday. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 32 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Ryan Rollins led the Bucks with 27 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a 117-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers Starters
New Orleans’ starting lineup featured Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Williamson, Derik Queen, and DeAndre Jordan. New Orleans ruled out Yves Missi (left calf strain), Trey Murphy III (right shoulder contusion), Micah Peavy (right great toe sprain), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture).
Philadelphia’s starting lineup featured Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Dominick Barlow. Philadelphia ruled out Joel Embiid (knee/shin).
Pelicans vs. 76ers Recap
New Orleans and Philadelphia played a non-conference game between two teams, but the two teams’ history dates back to 2002. The New Orleans Pelicans were initially the Charlotte Hornets before relocating and rebranding. The two teams earned 24 wins apiece entering Saturday’s game.
Philadelphia rocked their Blue Icon Edition jerseys. Philadelphia’s 47.2% shooting from three-point range and a season-high 13 blocks, tying the second-most double-digit block games in the NBA this season with six, highlighted the buildup before pregame.
Philadelphia hit a three-pointer to open the first quarter. Philadelphia’s 8-0 run was a great start. New Orleans got on the board to cut the lead to 8-2 and take a one-point lead. The two teams went back and forth, including the two rookies Edgecombe and \Queen. Quentin Grimes finished with 9 first-quarter points, as Philadelphia took a 29-24 lead to end the first.
The second quarter saw a slow start, but the two teams gradually picked up the pace. Williamson threw down a reverse slam to up the home crowd’s energy. New Orleans cut the lead to 44-43 with less than five minutes left. Oubre Jr. hit a three-pointer as Philadelphia took a 65-57 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw a sluggish start, but the two teams shrugged it off. Barlow stole the ball and performed a powerful slam. Saddiq Bey entered the game for the Pelicans. Pelicans’ fans and media members hoped Bey, 26, would avoid a fifth foul after four first-half fouls. New Orleans took a 97-91 lead through three quarters.
The Pelicans maintained the lead in the fourth quarter. New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cameron Jordan enjoyed the Pelicans’ game. The 76ers’ defense pulled away, an awful sign as tough, hard-nosed defense usually wins games. Jordan Poole (23), Zion Williamson (21), and Bey (20) all finished with 20+ points. New Orleans won 126-111 in regulation.
Next Steps
The New Orleans Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. New Orleans can improve their spacing, positioning, and maintain a strong team chemistry to potentially defeat Golden State.
The Philadelphia 76ers face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Central. Philadelphia can leverage Maxey’s scoring ability, exposing Minnesota’s injuries, and maintaining a strong performance to potentially defeat Minnesota.
