Philadelphia-76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Short-Handed 76ers Host Last-Place Pelicans in Key Matchup

The Philadelphia 76ers, battling injuries and inconsistency, look to secure another win Friday night when they host the Western Conference-worst New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams are grappling with adversity, setting up an intriguing clash at Wells Fargo Center.

76ers Lean on Resilience

Philadelphia (22-16) managed to hold off the Washington Wizards 109-103 on Wednesday despite blowing a 15-point fourth-quarter lead. Missing key players Joel Embiid (foot), Paul George (groin), and Kyle Lowry (hip), the Sixers relied on Tyrese Maxey’s 29 points and Guerschon Yabusele’s all-around contributions (21 points, eight rebounds, and a clutch block) to pull through.

“It was some weird stuff that happened,” Maxey said of the late-game collapse. “But I mean, we found a way to win the game.”

Philadelphia improved to 1-1 on their current three-game homestand, with Maxey delivering the go-ahead layup in the final seconds. The Sixers aim to close the homestand on a high note before entering a brutal upcoming stretch featuring games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Pelicans Reeling from Disheartening Loss

The New Orleans Pelicans (7-33) enter Friday’s game on the heels of a demoralizing 119-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Without Zion Williamson (rest), Brandon Ingram (ankle), and Trey Murphy III (ankle), the Pelicans trailed 75-42 at halftime in one of their worst performances of the season.

“We were surprised at the lack of urgency,” coach Willie Green said. “It was not a competitive game by our standards at all.”

CJ McCollum (23 points) and Dejounte Murray (20 points) tried to carry the load, but the Pelicans have now lost 31 of their last 36 games. Compounding their troubles, defensive ace Herb Jones exited Wednesday’s game with a shoulder injury, and his status for Friday remains uncertain.

New Orleans has struggled to find stability this season, and Friday marks the first of a daunting three-game road trip, with stops against the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls looming.

“It seems like we play a game every other day this month,” guard Jordan Hawkins said. “So we’ve got to go to the next game, worry about Philly.”

Key Matchup: Maxey vs. Pelicans’ Defense

Tyrese Maxey has become the Sixers’ engine in Embiid’s absence, delivering clutch performances and leading the offense. New Orleans’ defense, particularly if Jones is unavailable, will need to find answers to contain the speedy guard.

The Pelicans, allowing 117.5 points per game (27th in the NBA), face a tough task against a Sixers team that averages 112.8 points and excels in fast-break opportunities led by Maxey.

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What’s at Stake

For the Sixers, this game offers a chance to build momentum and stay competitive in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. For the Pelicans, it’s another opportunity to regroup, find consistency, and halt their slide in what has been a challenging season.

This is the first of two meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for March 24 in New Orleans. As both teams strive to overcome their struggles, Friday’s game could serve as a turning point for either squad.