As the NBA season grinds on, we get an interconference matchup featuring two teams on opposite ends of the standings. The Philadelphia 76ers, looking to solidify their position as a contender, host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans. While oddsmakers are projecting a lopsided affair, a deeper dive into the trends and team dynamics suggests there may be more to this game than meets the eye.
1. Game Overview:
The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to take on the 76ers. The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, with a tip-off time of 7:40 PM EST.
2. Team Form and Analysis:
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans enter this contest with a dismal 13-37 record, reflecting a season of significant struggles. With a negative average margin of victory of -6.5 points, they have consistently found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. The team’s core, built around the dynamic inside presence of Zion Williamson and the scoring of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, has not been able to generate consistent wins. The absence of a key playmaker in the backcourt has been a noticeable issue, placing even more pressure on the remaining stars to create offense.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have put together a solid campaign, boasting a 26-21 record. Led by the dominant force of Joel Embiid and the explosive scoring of Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia has established itself as a tough opponent, particularly on their home floor. The team has been in decent form, posting a 3-2 record over their last five contests while averaging an impressive 116.4 points per game. Their success hinges on Embiid’s health and ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor, complemented by Maxey’s perimeter attack.
3. Injury Report:
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the impact is far more significant for the visiting Pelicans.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (PG) is expected to be out until late February with an Achilles injury.
- Philadelphia 76ers: MarJon Beauchamp (SF) is a game-time decision due to an ankle issue, and Quentin Grimes (SG) is also a game-time decision with an ankle injury.
The loss of Murray is a major blow to the Pelicans’ backcourt depth and playmaking ability. The 76ers’ key players appear healthy heading into this matchup.
4. Standings & Trends Analysis:
New Orleans Pelicans
- Overall Record: 13-37-0 (26.0% win percentage)
- ATS Record (Overall): 28-21-1 (57.1% cover percentage)
- ATS Record (Away): 12-11-0
- Over/Under Record: 25-25-0 (50.0% Over)
The Pelicans’ data presents a fascinating contradiction. While their straight-up win-loss record is among the league’s worst, they are an excellent team from a betting perspective, covering the spread in over 57% of their games. This trend holds on the road, where they have a winning 12-11-0 record Against the Spread (ATS). Their games have been split evenly between the Over and Under.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Overall Record: 26-21-0 (55.3% win percentage)
- ATS Record (Overall): 26-21-0 (55.3% cover percentage)
- ATS Record (Home): 12-15-0
- Over/Under Record: 24-23-0 (51.1% Over)
The 76ers have a solid winning record and a respectable overall ATS record. However, the most glaring trend is their performance at home, where they have a losing 12-15-0 record against the spread. This indicates that despite winning games in Philadelphia, they often fail to cover the number set by oddsmakers. Their Over/Under record leans slightly toward the Over.
5. Betting Odds Analysis:
- Moneyline: Pelicans +320 | 76ers -405
- Point Spread: Pelicans +10 (-108) | 76ers -10 (-112)
- Total (Over/Under): 233.5 (o -106 / u -114)
The odds paint a clear picture. The -405 moneyline on the 76ers implies an 80.2% probability of a straight-up victory. The 10-point spread is substantial and indicates that the market expects Philadelphia to win this game comfortably. The high game total of 233.5 points suggests a fast-paced, offense-heavy contest is anticipated, though the slightly higher price on the under (-114) may suggest some skepticism about reaching that number.
6. Prediction & Betting Angle:
The Philadelphia 76ers are the superior team and should win this game outright at home. However, a double-digit point spread creates an interesting value proposition.
The most compelling data point is the 76ers’ poor 12-15-0 ATS record at home. They win, but they don’t often blow teams out by the margin expected by oddsmakers. This trend directly conflicts with the Pelicans’ surprising strength against the spread, especially on the road where they are a profitable 12-11-0 ATS. Despite their terrible win-loss record, New Orleans has consistently played opponents tougher than the market anticipates.
Given the 76ers’ tendency to underperform against the spread at home and the Pelicans’ proven ability to cover as an underdog, the 10-point cushion is too significant to ignore. The 76ers will likely control the game, but the Pelicans have enough offensive talent in Williamson and Ingram to keep the final margin within single digits.
Final Score Prediction: 76ers 120 – Pelicans 112
The Pick: Pelicans +10 (-108)
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers All-time Head-to-Head …
2025-26 Team Comparison – New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia …
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