New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions March 24th 2025

76ers, Pelicans Clash as Both Teams Battle to Finish Strong

Two teams mired in late-season struggles will face off Monday night when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the New Orleans Pelicans in a matchup more about pride than playoff positioning.

The 76ers (23-48) have dropped 19 of their last 22 games, including a 132-119 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. Philadelphia is wrapping up a six-game road trip and is limping to the finish line without its key stars. Joel Embiid and Paul George are done for the season, and rising star Tyrese Maxey has now missed 11 consecutive games and is unlikely to suit up Monday.

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“I think they’ve played really hard even when they’ve had tough moments,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said. “We’re doing everything we can to try to keep them fighting… I give them a heck of a lot of credit for that because it’s not easy.”

Justin Edwards Emerging Amid Injuries

While injuries have decimated the Sixers, rookie guard Justin Edwards has taken full advantage of the opportunity. The 19-year-old has averaged 21 points during the team’s recent skid, including 22 in Sunday’s loss. He’s shooting 50.8 percent from the field and a scorching 48.1 percent from beyond the arc over the last five games.

“I think his confidence level is at a really great place,” Nurse said. “He really tries to do the right thing and make the right plays.”

Though the losses keep piling up, Edwards’ development has been one of the few bright spots in Philadelphia’s tough season.

Pelicans Flash Offense, But Defense Fails Again

The Pelicans (19-53) have been officially eliminated from postseason contention and have lost nine of their last 11. Sunday’s 136-130 loss to the Detroit Pistons saw New Orleans play well offensively but collapse defensively—again.

CJ McCollum dropped 40 points, 28 of which came in the second half, and the Pelicans set a franchise record with four players tallying at least seven assists. They hit 20 of 40 three-point attempts and looked like the team head coach Willie Green envisioned.

“The guys played together and shared the ball. That was fun to watch, but we still came up short,” Green said.

Second-year guard Jordan Hawkins added 25 points on 6-of-11 shooting from deep. However, defensive lapses—allowing 66 points in the paint and giving up 40 free-throw attempts—proved costly.

“That’s a big difference,” Green said of the 17-point gap at the foul line. “It really hurt us.”

Zion Williamson missed his second straight game with a back contusion, and his status remains up in the air. Center Yves Missi is also questionable with hip soreness, adding to the Pelicans’ injury woes, which have included season-ending losses of Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray.

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Seeking Silver Linings in a Lost Season

With both teams out of playoff contention, this game offers a chance for young players like Edwards and Hawkins to continue their development and for veterans like McCollum to set the tone in an otherwise difficult year.

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