By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers travelled to New Orleans to face off with the surging Pelicans. Unlike the last contest against the Lakers, it was the Sixers that got blown off the court. The Pelicans took full advantage of the paint being wide-open and Philly had no answers for it as they fell 124-114.

The Sixers did not have Joel Embiid available for this game as he missed it because of a non-Covid illness. New Orleans took full advantage of the paint being wide-open without the presence of one of the best two-way players in the league. They attacked the paint got Philly’s defenders in early foul trouble and that allowed them to get out to a 29-point lead by half-time. The duo of CJ McCollum (20-points) and Zion Williamson (33-points) led them in this contest they combined for 53 of the Pels 124-points. Philly just had no answers for them they would attack the paint and take advantage of the tight way the referees were calling it. If either player had room to get a shot off, they were taking it and that led to a bad night for Philly. Specifically in the fourth quarter both players were perfect from the field and they hit clutch shots to keep the Pelicans ahead in this contest. The Sixers perimeter defense left a lot to be desired tonight they have to make sure that they have consistent defensive performances whether Joel Embiid is in the line-up or not. It is inexcusable to give up multiple offensive rebounds and wide-pen three-point opportunities during multiple stretches in this game. That made all the difference in this game and the Sixers have to learn how to play without Joel Embiid.

Despite the offensive explosion from CJ and Zion the Sixers continued to fight in this contest. They were able to cut a 29-point lead down to an eight-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Maxey finally woke up in this contest and he led a furious comeback in this game. He scored 33-points and Philly needed all of those points as it was slow going on the offensive end. Maxey, playing more aggressively in this period, really unlocked the Sixers offense and he was able to create high-percentage opportunities for his teammates. However, turnovers and offensive rebounds doomed the comeback effort for Philly, but they showed incredible fight. They will definitely need another scorer and a bench point-guard before the trade deadline. Games like tonight show why the Sixers really do need a third scorer or a non-timid one to help take the scoring load off of Maxey. With the return of Kelly Oubre being imminent the non-timid shooter problem might be alleviated but they still need that third scorer. It will be important for Daryl Morey and the Sixers brain trust to find someone who can pair with Embiid and Maxey without taking away the increase ball handling duties Maxey now has. It is a delicate dance but this problem needs to be handled before the playoffs.

The Sixers will now prepare for the Boston Celtics on Friday night, the potential return of Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre should help on both sides of the ball. Philly will need to stay attached to their man on the perimeter if they want to slowdown the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They will need to make sure both players see a constant hand in their face to force them into difficult shots. Additionally, the Sixers will need to get back to moving the ball around on the offensive end to create high-percentage shot opportunities. When the Sixers keep the ball moving, they have one of the best offensive attacks in the league. Also, they will need to play a complete game if they want to beat the Celtics, and get their 13^th win of the season.