NBA Game Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (30-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (15-42)

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Game Details

  • Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM PT).
  • Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • TV/Streaming: Gulf Coast Sports, NBCS-PH, NBA League Pass.

This non-conference matchup is the second meeting of the season, with the Sixers winning the first 124-114 on January 31, 2026. The 76ers, sixth in the East, look to snap a three-game skid against a Pelicans team that’s lost five straight and sits near the bottom of the West. With Embiid out, Philadelphia’s depth will be tested against New Orleans’ home resilience, potentially leading to a low-scoring affair if the Pelicans’ defense holds.

Recent Team Forms

The 76ers are 2-8 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.0 PPG while allowing 118.0 PPG for a -6.0 differential. The Pelicans are 1-9 over the same span, averaging 111.0 PPG and conceding 120.0 PPG for a -9.0 differential.

Philadelphia 76ers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 19, 2026vs. ATLL107-117Poor shooting (38.4% FG); Drummond double-double (10 PTS, 14 REB).
Feb 11, 2026vs. NYKL89-138Defensive collapse; allowed 138 PTS.
Feb 9, 2026@ PORL118-135Allowed 135 PTS; poor 3PT defense.
Feb 3, 2026vs. NOPW124-114Embiid 40 PTS; overcame rally.
Jan 31, 2026vs. SACW124-114Balanced attack; overcame TO.

The 76ers have lost three straight, struggling without Embiid and showing defensive lapses.

New Orleans Pelicans Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScoreKey Notes
Feb 20, 2026vs. MILL118-139Allowed 139 PTS; Williamson 32 PTS.
Feb 19, 2026vs. MIAL111-123Turnover issues; Williamson 26 PTS.
Feb 11, 2026vs. MIAL111-123Allowed 123 PTS; Bey 22 PTS.
Feb 9, 2026vs. SACW120-94Strong defense; held SAC to 94.
Feb 6, 2026@ MINW119-115Bey 30 PTS; overcame TO.

The Pelicans have lost five straight, with defensive woes allowing 120+ in recent defeats.

Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers:

  • Joel Embiid: Out (Right Knee Injury Management / Right Shin Soreness).
  • Paul George: Out (League Suspension).
  • MarJon Beauchamp: Doubtful (G League – Two-Way).
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.: Available (Left Knee Injury Recovery – Brace).

New Orleans Pelicans:

  • Dejounte Murray: Out (Achilles – Torn Achilles Tendon).
  • Yves Missi: Out (Calf – Strained Left Calf).
  • Micah Peavy: Out (Toe – Right Great Toe).
  • Trey Murphy III: GTD (Shoulder – Contusion).

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

  • Tyrese Maxey (76ers) vs. Pelicans Guards (e.g., Saddiq Bey if Murphy out): Maxey (recent 28 PTS) exploits New Orleans’ backcourt injuries; scoring duel potential.
  • Andre Drummond (76ers) vs. Zion Williamson (Pelicans): Drummond’s rebounding (recent 14 REB) vs. Williamson’s athleticism (recent 32 PTS); interior battle key.
  • Kelly Oubre Jr. (76ers) vs. Pelicans Wings: Oubre (17 PTS recent) faces a depleted frontcourt; could exploit mismatches.
  • VJ Edgecombe (76ers) vs. Pelicans Defense: Rookie’s 20 PTS in recent loss highlights his potential against New Orleans’ poor rating.

These matchups tilt toward Philadelphia’s depth, especially without Embiid.

Series History

The 76ers and Pelicans are tied 24-24 all-time in 48 regular-season games.

In the playoffs, Philadelphia leads 4-2 from their 2003 series (as Hornets). In the last 10 head-to-heads, Philadelphia is 5-5. This season, the series is 1-0 for the 76ers:

  • January 31, 2026: 76ers 124-114 (at Philadelphia).

Games have averaged 228 points recently, with overs hitting in recent matchups.

Betting Trends

  • Philadelphia is 29-24-2 ATS overall, 15-15 on road. New Orleans is 7-21 ATS as underdogs. The over has hit in 27 of 55 76ers games. Philadelphia 4-6 ATS in last 10; New Orleans 1-4 ATS in last 5 home. Series: 76ers 3-2 ATS in last 5.

Game Odds

Philadelphia Sixers         – 4          

New Orleans Pelicans    228.5   

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026

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