The Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans squared off at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, February 21, 2026, marking the second and final meeting between these two cross-conference NBA teams this season. While their previous encounter on January 31 saw the 76ers secure a 124-114 victory in Philadelphia thanks to a dominant performance by Joel Embiid, the circumstances for this rematch were dramatically different. Both squads entered the contest with significant roster challenges and plenty to prove as the playoff race heats up.
Coming into Saturday night, the 76ers held a 30-25 record, good enough for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. However, they arrived in New Orleans on the heels of a three-game losing skid, their momentum stalling after a 117-107 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks in their first game back from the All-Star break. The Pelicans, meanwhile, were trying to find a spark in a tough season, entering the game with a 15-42 record and sitting 14th in the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, New Orleans had split their last four games, showing flashes of improvement and resilience.
One of the most significant storylines for this matchup was the absence of Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ franchise cornerstone and former MVP. Embiid was sidelined for the fourth straight game due to persistent knee and shin issues—a blow that Philadelphia has struggled to overcome. The Sixers had lost each of the previous three games without their star center. As if that wasn’t enough, Paul George, a major offseason acquisition, remained unavailable as he continued to serve a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy. These absences left the Sixers shorthanded and searching for answers on both ends of the floor.
Tyrese Maxey, the dynamic guard, has been the clear bright spot for Philadelphia this season. Maxey entered the night averaging an impressive 28.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Oddsmakers set his player prop totals at 30.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 3.5 made three-pointers for this contest—numbers reflecting the outsized burden he’s been asked to carry in Embiid’s absence. Maxey’s ability to generate offense and facilitate for teammates has been crucial, but the Sixers have struggled to find consistent secondary scoring. Third-overall pick VJ Edgecombe, averaging 15 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, has shown flashes of brilliance and was given a prop line of 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for the night, further highlighting the team’s reliance on its young core.
Philadelphia’s offense has been solid overall, ranking 14th in the league at 116 points per game. However, their efficiency has been more middle-of-the-pack: 13th in offensive rating, 24th in field goal percentage, and 16th in three-point percentage. Defensively, the Sixers have been average, giving up 115.9 points per game—17th in the NBA—and ranking 16th in defensive rating. With Embiid out, those numbers have trended in the wrong direction, and the team’s lack of interior presence has been evident.
On the other side, the Pelicans have faced their own share of adversity. Starters Trey Murphy III, Yves Missi, Micah Potter, and Dejounte Murray were all ruled out for Saturday’s game, further depleting an already thin roster. Still, there was a bright spot: Zion Williamson, who has battled injuries throughout his career, suited up for his 32nd consecutive game—a personal milestone. Williamson has been a force when healthy, averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 41 games this season. Saddiq Bey has also emerged as a reliable contributor, posting 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest.
First-round rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have provided hope for the future, with Queen’s prop bets set at 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. The Pelicans’ offense has lagged behind, averaging 114.6 points per game (20th in the league) and ranking 24th in offensive rating. Their defense has been a bigger concern, allowing 120.7 points per game (27th in the NBA) and ranking near the bottom in both defensive rating and opponent field goal percentage.
Betting lines reflected the Sixers’ slight edge, with Philadelphia listed as 4.5-point favorites and -166 on the moneyline, while New Orleans entered as a +140 underdog. The over/under for total points was set at 235.5, a nod to the high-scoring nature of their previous meeting, which ended with a combined 238 points.
With so many key players out, both teams were forced to rely on their secondary options and young talent. For Philadelphia, the offensive load fell squarely on Maxey’s shoulders, with Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, and Kelly Oubre Jr. expected to step up. However, as noted by analysts, "Outside of Maxey, the Sixers lack creators who can consistently generate offense. Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. each have their streaks, and Edgecombe has his flashes. But each guy needs the table set for them." The Sixers’ lack of depth and playmaking was a major concern heading into the matchup.
For the Pelicans, the absence of Murphy, their top scorer, meant even more pressure on Williamson and Bey. The team’s shooting woes from beyond the arc—just 34.3% on three-pointers—were another hurdle, especially with Philadelphia’s defense ranking 10th in opponent three-point percentage. The Pelicans’ defense, meanwhile, has struggled to contain opposing offenses, and with so many regulars sidelined, coach Willie Green was left to piece together a patchwork rotation.
Fans tuning in had plenty of ways to follow the action, with the game broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, and NBC Sports Philadelphia, as well as streaming options on Fubo and Peacock. Radio listeners could catch the play-by-play on 97.5 The Fanatic, ensuring no one missed a minute of this pivotal contest.
As the game unfolded, all eyes were on whether the 76ers could snap their losing streak and maintain their playoff positioning, or if the Pelicans could capitalize on home-court advantage and steal a win despite their depleted roster. The betting community kept a close watch on player props, especially for Maxey, Edgecombe, Williamson, and Queen, as each had the potential to swing the outcome—and perhaps the over/under line as well.
With both teams fighting through adversity and looking for a spark, Saturday’s matchup in New Orleans was set to provide plenty of drama, unexpected performances, and perhaps a glimpse at the future for two franchises in transition. As the action continued at the Smoothie King Center, fans and analysts alike were left wondering: would the Sixers’ stars step up in Embiid’s absence, or would the Pelicans’ young guns seize the moment on their home floor?