Word on Sixers: Zion Williamson, Pelicans Searching for Right Track

A look at the top storylines for Wednesday's matchup between the 76ers and the Pelicans.

Back on the road for a quick trip, the Philadelphia 76ers will fire up a two-game road stand with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Wednesday’s game serves as the 44th meeting between the two teams. When they fired up their first of two matchups in late December last season, the Pelicans secured a comfortable victory over the 76ers, winning 127-116. When they met a few nights later, the Sixers got their revenge at home, picking up a 120-111 win. 

The Pelicans host the Sixers as they sit at 9-9 on the year. In a tough Western Conference, the Pelicans have some work to do to climb back in the early playoff picture, as they rank ninth at the moment, trailing the 8-7 Houston Rockets.

Entering Wednesday’s game on a two-matchup losing streak, the Pelicans hope that the expected return of CJ McCollum offers them the boost they need to put up a solid fight against a Sixers team that’s been off to a solid start to the year.

The Sixers are currently tied for third place in the Eastern Conference with the 12-5 Orlando Magic. They’ve won six of their last ten games and recently crafted a two-game win streak with impressive victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Can the Pelicans get back in the winner’s column on Wednesday? Or will the Sixers extend their streak to three wins for the first time since early November? We’ll soon find out as the Sixers and the Pelicans tip off at 8 PM ET.

What’s the Word on Sixers vs. Pelicans?

Sixers Begin Road Trip With Matchup against Zion and Pelicans — Liberty Ballers

"Embiid has cruised to some dominant performances against New Orleans and Jonas Valanciunas in the past. In two games against the Pels last year, Embiid dropped 42 points on 15-of-24 shooting, and 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting. As the big fella comes off an impressive triple-double against the Lakers, continuing to showcase both his scoring prowess and yet again improved passing, he looks set to keep rolling."

Pelicans Face Tough Test With Sixers — Pelicans Scoop

"The 76ers boast a formidable two-headed monster with Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey. His emergence in his fourth season from the University of Kentucky allowed the 76ers front office to move on from James Harden this season. Maxey is averaging 26.6 points and 6.9 assists this season. He has the third-highest assist-to-turnover ratio in the Eastern Conference."

CJ McCollum Named Community Assist Award Winner — Pelicans Scoop

"The NBA today announced New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for the month of October for his efforts in juvenile justice reform, youth engagement and education and literacy. McCollum will receive the David Robinson trophy and the NBA will donate $10,000 to Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights – a non-profit whose mission is to champion the rights and well-being of children in the juvenile justice system. The NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recognizes a player monthly for their outstanding work in the community."

76ers Rule Out Several Players Wednesday — All76ers

"On Tuesday, Oubre traveled with the team to New Orleans. It was his first trip since the injury occurred. He won’t get the nod to play on Wednesday, but Sixers head coach Nick Nurse left the door open for a potential return later this week.

If all goes right for Philadelphia, they could face the Boston Celtics with the entire roster healthy and available. For Wednesday’s game, they’ll remain shorthanded in the reserve department."

Kelly Oubre’s Making Progress, 76ers Remain Patient — All76ers

"Monday’s win over the Lakers marked the ninth straight game Oubre missed. As much as the Sixers could use the extra boost from the veteran wing, who was thriving in his role prior to his setback, the Sixers are logically remaining patient with his timeline. 

Oubre will make his way back out on the floor much sooner than expected. The hope is that he’s back within days of his second re-evaluation, as Nurse noted last week. If not, the extended timeline shouldn’t stretch too far."