Sixers vs Pelicans on 1 February
The stage is set for an exciting clash as the Philadelphia 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans on February 1, 2026, in the NBA regular season. Both teams are fighting to secure crucial wins as they gear up for the playoffs. With both sides packed with talent and ambition, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter. At stake is not just victory, but the momentum for the remainder of the season. Can the Sixers continue their rise, or will the Pelicans spoil the party?
Sixers: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Philadelphia enters this matchup with a solid track record in recent games, winning 4 of their last 5. Their strength lies in a well-balanced attack led by their MVP candidate, Joel Embiid. The Sixers primarily run a high pick-and-roll offense, which allows Embiid to operate in the low post or step out to the perimeter, drawing defenders away from the basket. Embiid’s presence in the paint also opens up shooting lanes for sharpshooters like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. The Sixers have a field goal percentage of 47.6% and three-point accuracy at 37.3%, both above league average.
Defensively, the Sixers rely on a switch-heavy defense that revolves around Embiid’s shot-blocking ability in the paint and the perimeter defense of James Harden, who can disrupt passing lanes. With the Sixers' defensive rating of 108.2, they rank in the top 10 of the league in defensive efficiency. However, they can struggle against teams that push the pace and spread the floor with multiple shooters, which the Pelicans excel at.
Key player: Joel Embiid’s health and impact will be crucial. If he stays dominant, both offensively and defensively, the Sixers will be difficult to stop. However, the status of James Harden, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, could swing the balance in favor of the Pelicans if he is unavailable or limited in minutes.
Pelicans: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with a strong 3-2 record in their last five games. The team is fueled by the dynamic duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans are known for their fast-paced, transition-heavy style of play, utilizing Zion’s explosive ability to finish at the rim while Ingram offers scoring from all three levels. New Orleans plays an up-tempo offense, ranking in the top 5 in the league for fast-break points per game. Their offense is versatile, with Zion operating as both a playmaker and scorer in the paint, while Ingram and CJ McCollum stretch the floor with their shooting.
On defense, the Pelicans rely on their athleticism to generate turnovers and score off of them. With a defensive rating of 108.7, they are slightly below the league average but have the potential to disrupt opponents with their length and versatility. Their ability to close out on shooters and contest shots at the rim will be key in this matchup against a Sixers team with multiple scoring threats.
Key player: Zion Williamson’s health will be a decisive factor. His presence in the paint is a game-changer for the Pelicans, and his ability to overpower defenders will be critical against a Sixers team that has struggled with fast-break defense. Ingram’s ability to score efficiently will also play a big role in ensuring that New Orleans can keep pace offensively with Philadelphia.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The Sixers and Pelicans have met three times this season, with the Sixers winning two of those matchups. However, the games have been closely contested, with each team showcasing their strengths. In their most recent encounter, the Pelicans shocked the Sixers in a high-scoring affair, taking advantage of Philadelphia’s slow start and Zion's dominance in the paint. Philadelphia will be looking for revenge, particularly after they were unable to control the pace of the game last time out. Both teams are aware of each other’s capabilities, and the mental aspect will be just as crucial as the physical on the night.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle will be between the two big men: Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson. Embiid’s ability to anchor the Sixers’ defense will be tested by Zion’s speed and strength in transition. The outcome of this individual matchup will likely determine which team controls the pace of the game. Another important battle will be between the perimeter shooters—Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Brandon Ingram. If the Sixers can limit Ingram’s effectiveness on the wing, it will be a major boost to their defense. On the other hand, if the Pelicans can force turnovers and convert them into fast-break points, they will be in a strong position to pull off the upset.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The Sixers are likely to control the game early with Embiid dominating inside and Maxey providing scoring support. However, the Pelicans’ speed and ability to attack in transition could cause problems for the Sixers’ slower half-court defense. If New Orleans can get out and run, particularly behind Zion, they’ll be able to keep the game within reach. Expect the Sixers to pull away in the second half if they can weather the storm and slow the pace. With Harden potentially limited, the game will rely heavily on Embiid’s performance. I predict a Sixers win by a small margin, likely with a total score going over 220 points, as both teams have high-scoring potential.
Final Thoughts
The Sixers' ability to contain Zion Williamson and control the tempo will be the deciding factor in this matchup. If Embiid plays at his usual MVP-caliber level, the Sixers will prevail. However, the Pelicans’ explosive transition offense and Zion’s physical dominance cannot be ignored. Will the Sixers’ defense hold firm, or will New Orleans exploit their weaknesses? This game will answer whether the Sixers can keep pace with the Pelicans' high-octane offense.
