Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid vs New Orleans Pelicans (Image via Getty) The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center. Both teams arrive short-handed, and the game reflects where they are right now which is adjusting lineups and relying heavily on their healthiest stars.New Orleans is learning to function without its starting point guard. Philadelphia is missing a key wing and has questions in the frontcourt. The matchup is straightforward. Whichever team handles its limitations better likely wins.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report and availability vs Philadelphia 76ers (January 31, 2026)
The Pelicans remain without Dejounte Murray, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon on January 7, 2026. He has no return timeline and is expected to miss the rest of the season. His absence removes New Orleans’ main ball-handler and top perimeter defender.Outside of Murray, the Pelicans’ injury report is clean. Two two-way players are unavailable, but only because they are assigned to the G League.
New Orleans Pelicans injury status for Jan 31
Out • Dejounte Murray – right Achilles rupture • Trey Alexander – G League assignment • Hunter Dickinson – G League assignmentAvailable • Zion Williamson • CJ McCollum • Brandon Ingram • Herb Jones • Jonas ValanciunasNew Orleans will spread Murray’s responsibilities across the lineup, with McCollum and Ingram handling more creation and Williamson finishing plays inside.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report and suspension update vs New Orleans Pelicans (January 31, 2026)
Philadelphia 76ers will be without Paul George, who is serving a league suspension. His absence removes a major scoring option and puts even more pressure on the guards.The Sixers also have injury questions. Andre Drummond is questionable with an illness. If he cannot play, Philadelphia may struggle on the glass. MarJon Beauchamp remains out with an ankle injury, while Quentin Grimes is listed as a game-time decision due to a right ankle sprain.
Philadelphia 76ers injury status for Jan 31
Out / suspended • Paul George – suspension • MarJon Beauchamp – ankleQuestionable • Andre Drummond – illness • Quentin Grimes – right ankleAvailable • Tyrese Maxey • Kelly Oubre Jr.Maxey is expected to carry the offense, especially if Philadelphia’s frontcourt rotation is thin.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia 76ers Recent matchup history
The last notable meeting came on January 10, 2025, when New Orleans won 123-115 in Philadelphia. The Pelicans pulled away in the third quarter and controlled the game from there.Overall, the regular-season series between these teams has been fairly even. Results often come down to availability, not scheme. This game fits that pattern.
Pelicans season overview
New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference and has struggled to find rhythm. The offense runs through Williamson, who is averaging about 22.5 points per game and remains their most consistent scorer.Rookie center Derik Queen has taken on a larger role, averaging roughly 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists.Team profile: • Points per game: around 108-110 • Field-goal percentage: mid-44% range • Three-point percentage: just under 35%The loss of Murray has hurt their ball movement and transition defense.
76ers season overview
Philadelphia has been steadier, sitting around 25-21 and fourth in the Atlantic Division. The offense is built around Maxey, who is averaging roughly 29.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.Team profile: • Points per game: around 112-114 • Field-goal percentage: mid-45% range • Three-point percentage: about 36-37%Defensively, the Sixers are average, with rebounding becoming a concern if Drummond does not play.
How the game likely plays out
Philadelphia will try to speed the game up and create space for Maxey. New Orleans will focus on getting the ball to Williamson near the rim and controlling the paint with Valanciunas and Queen. This game is not about ideal lineups. It is about execution with limited options. The team that stays organized longer should have the edge.