By: Kylan Watson

After beating the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the New Orleans Pelicans for the first time this season. Both teams battled in this game and thanks to a scoring explosion from Joel Embiid, they overcame a late New Orleans rally to beat them 124-114 extending their win streak to three games.

The Sixers once again found their offensive rhythm early and often in this game and were able to cash in on the high-percentage scoring opportunities created from their ball movement, which helped them take an early lead in this contest. Joel Embiid scored 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in this game and continues to round into form with every game that he plays in. This continues to help Tyrese Maxey (18 points and had 8 assists in today’s game) stay fresh throughout the game and helps stabilize the offense in games where he might not have it like tonight.

Also, in this game Embiid’s scoring prowess saved the Sixers from the times in this game where Philly had multiple power outages and the Pelicans were able to get back in the contest. Now the Sixers will be without Paul George for the next 25 games because of a suspension. Embiid becomes more important on the offensive side in helping keep his teammates involved in the offense and being the defensive anchor. He only had four assists in this contest but that will need to increase without George there to be the added ball handler. He is more than capable of being that guy and this will be pivotal to helping Philly survive these 25 games without George.

In addition, another player must emerge and fill in for George to be that third or fourth scorer in his absence. Between Kelly Oubre Jr (19 points), Jared McCain (12 points), and Quentin Grimes need to take advantage of the increase in playing time and scoring opportunities if they can’t then the Sixers need to find someone who will either on the waiver wire or via trade.

Saddiq Bey (34 points) and Trey Murphy III (19 points) combined for 53 of the Pelicans 114 points. The Sixers really did not have an answer for what they were doing in this game and Philly had to turn up the defensive pressure to limit them throughout the rest of the game, which forced the Pelicans to turn the ball over and take more difficult shots. That allowed the Sixers to pull ahead in this game and seal another victory.

Philly will now prepare to head on a nine-game West Coast swing which will start in Los Angeles on Monday night against the Clippers. The Clippers have played better since the last time Philly played them a few months ago, they are healthier and have Kawhi Leonard available to play and be a difference maker in the game.

It will be important for Philly to limit their turnovers, win, or keep the rebounding battle competitive, stay connected to their defensive assignment, and cash in on the high-percentage scoring opportunities created by their ball movement. Implementing these things into their game plan on Monday night will put them in great shape to win their 28^th game of the season and extend their win streak to four games and sweep the Clippers in the season series.