3 observations after Sixers slide to loss against cellar-dwelling Pelicans

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3 observations after Sixers slide to loss against cellar-dwelling Pelicans originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers squeaked past the team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference on Wednesday night in the Wizards. They could not do the same Friday against the last-placed Pelicans.

New Orleans took a 123-115 win at Wells Fargo Center, improving to 8-31 this season. The Sixers fell to 15-21.

CJ McCollum scored 38 points for the Pelicans.

Tyrese Maxey recorded 30 points and 12 assists. Paul George had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. put up 21 points and seven boards.

The Sixers remained without Joel Embiid (left foot sprain), Andre Drummond (left toe sprain), Kyle Lowry (right hip sprain), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) and Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery).

The undermanned Pelicans suspended star Zion Williamson for Friday’s game for “a violation of team policies.”

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame that Embiid is still considered “day-to-day.” The seven-time All-Star practiced Thursday.

Nurse was unsure of the timeline for Lowry’s return. He thought the veteran guard would be out more than a “day-to-day” designation would suggest but didn’t expect Lowry to be sidelined long term. Martin’s out of his walking boot but yet to return to on-court activities.

The Sixers will visit the Magic on Sunday night. Here are observations on their loss to the Pelicans:

McCollum gets hot, Maxey frigid again 

After one game out with left groin tightness, George scored the night’s first basket on a lefty layup.

Both the Sixers and Pelicans had poor results early from longer distances. Each team began 0 for 5 from three-point range.

McCollum, who once drained 11 threes in a game against the Sixers, soon caught fire. The Lehigh product burned the Sixers for 18 first-quarter points, pulling New Orleans in front with slick ball handling and sweet shooting.

Maxey got himself an easy basket in the first quarter by jumping a Dejounte Murray bounce pass intended for McCollum, coasting down the floor and slamming in a lefty dunk. He also posted four assists and no turnovers…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-slide-loss-022935284.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2025-01-11 03:51:00

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