The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center, with the Pelicans securing a surprising 123-115 victory. The game, played on January 10, 2025, showcased the challenges both teams have encountered throughout the season, particularly the absence of key players due to injuries.
The 76ers entered the matchup with hopes of building momentum after their recent win against the Washington Wizards, where they triumphed 109-103. Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, their All-Star center, Joel Embiid, was sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a sprained left foot, marking his 23rd game missed this season. The absence of Embiid has been heavily felt, as the team's record drops to 8-15 when he is out of the lineup, reflecting their struggles without their star player.
The Pelicans, who have had their share of misery this season with only seven wins against 31 losses, came without their own star, Zion Williamson, who faced suspension for repeated violations of team policies, including tardiness to practices and flights. Injuries continued to plague New Orleans, as they were also without Herbert Jones, sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury, and Brandon Ingram, who didn’t play due to an ankle injury.
Despite these absences, the Pelicans managed to capitalize on the opportunity presented. CJ McCollum delivered outstanding performances, dropping 38 points, leading the way for New Orleans. The veteran shooting guard not only showcased his scoring ability but also contributed with 10 rebounds, displaying exceptional versatility at both ends of the court. McCollum's explosive performance was pivotal, particularly as the 76ers trailed during various stretches of the game.
Tyrese Maxey attempted to compensate for Embiid's absence by registering 30 points and 12 assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win for Philadelphia. Paul George added 25 points and 11 rebounds, alongside Kelly Oubre Jr., who contributed 21 points, yet their collective efforts fell short.
The game was marked by momentum swings and thrilling plays. The 76ers, known for their strong home performances, found themselves at the mercy of the Pelicans, who, even with limited resources, displayed heart and tenacity. The first half ended tightly contested, but as the game unfolded, the Pelicans gained confidence.
Midway through the third quarter, McCollum sank consecutive three-pointers to stretch the lead, pushing New Orleans to establish control. The Sixers kept battling, making several runs to close the gap, but each time they drew closer, McCollum or another Pelican would answer back, maintaining their edge.
By the fourth quarter, the writing was on the wall for Philadelphia. With McCollum's step-back jumper extending the lead to 10 points, any final push by the Sixers was quelled, marking New Orleans’ third victory of the season and snapping their two-game losing streak. The final score of 123-115 reflected not only the Pelicans’ resolve but also the mounting pressure on the 76ers to rediscover their form, especially with such high-profile players out of action.
This match serves as yet another reminder of how tightly contested the NBA can be, where even teams at the bottom of their respective conferences can shock opponents, particularly when they are deprived of their stars. With the victory, the Pelicans showcased depth and potential from their roster, which might just be the silver lining they need amid this challenging season.
Looking forward, the Pelicans are scheduled to take on the Boston Celtics next, hoping to continue their positive momentum. Meanwhile, the 76ers, now with a record of 15-21, must regroup and find ways to overcome the challenges posed by injuries as they venture to Orlando for their next game, aiming to bolster their playoff aspirations as time ticks down on the regular season.
Fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes on Joel Embiid's recovery, as his return could prove pivotal to Philadelphia's hopes of climbing back up the standings. The 76ers remain committed to making strides, but the road to recovery is steep without their talented center leading from the front.