New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview
In a highly anticipated matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. With the Pelicans holding a 37-25 record and the 76ers not far behind at 35-27, this game promises to be a compelling contest.
**Scheduled Tip-Off**
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET start, with both teams coming in with different trajectories. The Pelicans, riding high on a two-game winning streak, aim to make it three in a row. On the other hand, the 76ers are grappling with noticeable absences due to injuries, missing the vital contributions of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
**Betting Odds**
According to Bet Rivers, the Pelicans enter as the 8-point favorites, a nod to their recent form and the 76ers' injury woes. The total for the game is set at O/U 222 (-108), suggesting a moderately high-scoring affair is anticipated by oddsmakers.
**Recent Performances**
The Pelicans have been in fine form, coming off victories against the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors. A significant factor in their success has been Trey Murphy III, who has tallied at least 26 points in three of his last four outings. Currently positioned fifth in the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans are looking to solidify their playoff position.
Conversely, since the All-Star Break, the 76ers have struggled, posting a 3-5 record. Their offensive output has notably dipped, averaging a mere 105.9 points per game, a statistic that underscores the challenges they've faced without Maxey's scoring presence. Philadelphia desperately needs to find solutions to their offensive struggles to avoid slipping further in the standings.
**Injury Report**
The Pelicans head into the game without significant new injury concerns, although Dyson Daniels remains sidelined. Joel Embiid's absence due to knee surgery and Maxey's ongoing recovery from concussion protocols leave the 76ers significantly handicapped.
**Head-to-Head and Historical Context**
This season's encounters between the two teams currently stand at 1-0 in favor of the Pelicans. Notably, the Pelicans have struggled historically at the Wells Fargo Center, having lost their last six visits. Both teams are closely matched in terms of average points per game, ranking 13th and 14th respectively, with New Orleans slightly ahead defensively.
**Key Players and Stats**
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson's scoring prowess has been a critical driver of their success. Additionally, Brandon Ingram has been performing at a high level, averaging 24.4 points per game over his last five outings. On the 76ers' side, Tobias Harris has been a consistent contributor, averaging 17.5 points per game. Kelly Oubre Jr., with an impressive average of 25.3 points over his last three games, will be a player to watch.
**Betting Insights**
The Pelicans boast one of the best against-the-spread records in the NBA, further solidifying their standing as favorites for this encounter. The 76ers, with a 33-29-0 overall ATS record, will look to leverage any home advantage to overcome the odds.
**Closing Thoughts**
As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the Wells Fargo Center for what promises to be a thrilling clash. The Pelicans look to extend their winning streak while the 76ers aim to overcome adversity and get back on track. With key players out for Philadelphia, the stage is set for New Orleans to potentially secure a crucial away victory. However, in the unpredictable world of the NBA, outcomes are never guaranteed until the final whistle blows.
