With the NBA trade deadline next week, bettors could get a look at how a contender and potential seller will look with the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pelicans are looking to get a win, even with the chance of selling pieces at the deadline, while the Sixers are looking to solidify their playoff position against a bottom-feeding opponent.
This game could help fans and bettors see how poor the Pelicans could be against a strong Sixers team, even with a win against the Grizzlies last night. While the Pelicans could be sellers on the deadline, the Sixers could get a win and help their seeding in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.
Game Details
Date: January 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
TV/Streaming: Gulf Coast Sports, NBA League Pass, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Odds: PHA -375, Philadelphia -9.5, O/U 233.5
Team Form & Recent Results
New Orleans Pelicans Recent Form
- New Orleans won in a blowout against the Grizzlies last night at home and has won two of their last four games.Â
- 21st in PPG, 24th in FG%, 16th in rebounds, 27th in assists
- New Orleans is hoping to build momentum against a contender
- Derik Queen scored 22 points, with nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.Â
- While not sellers in the deadline, New Orleans is dealing with another losing season.
Philadelphia 76ers Recent Form
- Philadelphia is coming off a dramatic home win over the Kings, edging out Sacramento 113–111 behind a late-game surge, and has now taken two of its last four contests.
- 20th in PPG, 22nd in FG%, 14th in rebounds, 25th in assists
- The 76ers are hoping to build real momentum as they prepare to face a contender, especially after a stretch that included a blowout loss in Charlotte and a narrow defeat to the Knicks.
- Tyrese Maxey has been the engine during this run, dropping 40 points and the game‑winning layup against the Kings, while Joel Embiid added 37 points in the same matchup.
- Even after avoiding seller status at the deadline, Philadelphia is still navigating an inconsistent season: mixing explosive offensive nights like the 139–122 win over Milwaukee with frustrating setbacks.
Key Storylines
- The New Orleans Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray for the night, while the 76ers will be without potentially Quentin Grimes and MarJon Beauchamp at home.
- Grimes would be a game-time decision for the 76ers, while the Pelicans will be healthy against them in tonight’s game.
- The Pelicans are looking to try and make it two in a row, after a strong win against the Grizzlies at home for bettors.
- While the Pelicans are looking to extend their win streak, the 76ers have won two wins in a row and are looking to extend their winning streak.
- Las Vegas is looking towards the 76ers to cover the line, due to Joel Embiid having a strong season, with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Paul George having strong seasons, compared to the Pelicans struggling in 2025-2026.
Players to Watch
New Orleans Pelicans
- Derik Queen
- Had a breakout game on Friday night, scoring 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists against the Grizzlies.
- The New Orleans Pelicans rookie center had two double-digit games in his last seven games.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Tyrese Maxey
- Has been on a strong scoring run, posting double‑digit points in all of his last five games, including multiple 25+ and 30+ point performances. Over that stretch (Jan. 7–14, 2026), he averaged 27.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
- In the win against the Kings last night, Maxey delivered a dominant scoring line of 40 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, shooting 66.7% from the field and hitting the game‑winning layup in the final seconds.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
The New Orleans Pelicans offense has been inconsistent this season, being ranked 21st in PPG, 24th in FG%, and 29th in three-point field goals. New Orleans has been struggling offensively and could have another poor game tonight. While the Pelicans had a strong game against the Grizzlies, they will be facing a solid team in the Sixers, and their stout defense, with the Pelicans defense being ranked 27th in the league.
While the Pelicans are a weak team this season, the 76ers are having a strong season, after injuries plagued them last season. Embiid, who is now healthy, has been effective for the team, along with Maxey, helping them be 12th in PPG and 16th in 3PT FG. The Sixers are also a solid team in steals, being 6th in the league, along with being in the top 15 in defense for the league this season.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
The New Orleans Pelicans, to win tonight’s game, will need to improve their offense against the Sixers star forwards. In the win against the Grizzlies, the Pelicans outplayed the Grizzlies in the field goal game, along with their defense playing well in steals and blocks. If the Pelicans could have a strong rebounding game against the Sixers defense, they could have a chance to win against them in enemy court.
For the Philadelphia 76ers to win, they need to outpace the Pelicans and have a strong rebounding game against the Pelicans. The Sixers offense has been playing with Embiid and George being healthy for them this season. Another note that the Sixers could use against the New Orleans Pelicans is Maxey having another strong game, which could help them win against the Pelicans tonight.
Prediction
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 100, Philadelphia 76ers 120
How to Watch
- TV channel/Local broadcasts: Gulf Coast Sports, NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Streaming: NBA League Pass
- Radio: SiriusXM
FAQ SECTION
Q: What time is the [New Orleans Pelicans] vs. [Philadelphia 76ers] game?
A: [The game will be at 7:30 pm on the Eastern Coast for fans and bettors in the area. ]
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: [The Philadelphia 76ers are favored to win, due to the roster being healthy against the New Orleans Pelicans, due to their roster being better, along with an emerging core against the Pelicans’ weaker stars.]
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: [Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA]
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: [(PHA -375, Philadelphia -9.5, O/U 233.5)]
Conclusion
The New Orleans Pelicans, even with their win last night, could have a poor game against the Sixers and their strong offense. New Orleans has been sluggish this season, and could struggle against the Sixers defense, which has been playing well against bottom feeders. The Sixers have been playing better against poor teams, and could have a strong game from Maxey and Embiid against a weak defense.
With the bettors hoping that the Sixers could cover, they could also see the over in the line, due to the Sixers offense, potentially having a field day against the Pelicans defense. The line could be covered by the Sixers due to their strong roster lineup against a weak Pelicans team, which could have a rough one for fans, but a great night for bettors.
