Pelicans vs 76ers: Injury-Plagued Teams Collide in Crucial NBA Matchup
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center in a game that highlights the challenges both franchises are currently facing. With both squads arriving short-handed due to significant injuries and suspensions, this contest will test their depth and adaptability as they navigate through mid-season adjustments.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report and Player Availability
The Pelicans continue to operate without their starting point guard Dejounte Murray, who suffered a devastating right Achilles tendon rupture on January 7, 2026. This injury has no definitive return timeline, and Murray is expected to miss the remainder of the season. His absence creates a substantial void in New Orleans' lineup, removing their primary ball-handler and top perimeter defender.
Beyond Murray, the Pelicans' injury situation appears relatively clean. Two two-way players are unavailable, but this is solely due to their assignments to the G League rather than injury concerns.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Status for January 31:
- Out: Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Trey Alexander (G League assignment), Hunter Dickinson (G League assignment)
- Available: Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jonas Valanciunas
The Pelicans will need to distribute Murray's responsibilities across multiple players, with CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram expected to handle increased playmaking duties while Zion Williamson focuses on finishing plays in the paint.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report and Suspension Update
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without star forward Paul George, who is serving a league suspension. This absence eliminates a major scoring option from Philadelphia's arsenal and places additional pressure on their backcourt players to generate offense.
The Sixers also face several injury concerns that could impact their rotation. Center Andre Drummond is listed as questionable due to illness, and his potential absence could create rebounding challenges for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, MarJon Beauchamp remains out with an ankle injury, and Quentin Grimes is a game-time decision with a right ankle sprain.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Status for January 31:
- Out/Suspended: Paul George (suspension), MarJon Beauchamp (ankle)
- Questionable: Andre Drummond (illness), Quentin Grimes (right ankle sprain)
- Available: Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr.
With these limitations, Tyrese Maxey is anticipated to shoulder the offensive load, particularly if Philadelphia's frontcourt rotation becomes depleted.
Recent Matchup History and Season Overview
The most recent notable meeting between these teams occurred on January 10, 2025, when New Orleans secured a 123-115 victory in Philadelphia. The Pelicans established control during the third quarter and maintained their advantage throughout the remainder of that contest.
Historically, the regular-season series between these franchises has been relatively balanced, with outcomes often determined by player availability rather than strategic differences. This pattern appears likely to continue in Saturday's matchup.
New Orleans Pelicans Season Overview:
The Pelicans currently find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, having struggled to establish consistent rhythm throughout the season. Their offense primarily revolves around Zion Williamson, who averages approximately 22.5 points per game and remains their most reliable scoring threat.
Rookie center Derik Queen has assumed an expanded role, contributing roughly 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest. The team's statistical profile includes:
- Points per game: Approximately 108-110
- Field-goal percentage: Mid-44% range
- Three-point percentage: Just under 35%
The loss of Murray has particularly impacted their ball movement and transition defense capabilities.
Philadelphia 76ers Season Overview:
Philadelphia has demonstrated greater stability this season, currently holding a record around 25-21 and occupying fourth place in the Atlantic Division. Their offensive system centers around Tyrese Maxey, who averages approximately 29.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
The Sixers' statistical profile includes:
- Points per game: Approximately 112-114
- Field-goal percentage: Mid-45% range
- Three-point percentage: About 36-37%
Defensively, Philadelphia ranks as average, with rebounding potentially becoming a significant concern if Drummond is unable to participate.
Game Strategy and Expected Dynamics
Philadelphia will likely attempt to accelerate the game's pace and create spacing opportunities for Maxey to operate effectively. Conversely, New Orleans will focus on feeding Williamson in the low post and controlling interior play through Jonas Valanciunas and Derik Queen.
This contest will not feature either team's ideal lineup configurations. Instead, it will test each squad's ability to execute effectively with limited resources. The team that maintains better organization and minimizes mistakes throughout the game will likely emerge victorious.
