Philadelphia 76ers suffer fifth straight loss to Pelicans

In the ongoing NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a tough defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 24, 2025. The game took place at the Pelicans' home court. Karlo Matkovic led the Pelicans with a season-high of 19 points and contributed eight assists, while Antonio Reeves supported the effort with 17 points including five successful 3-pointers. The Sixers struggled without their key players, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, resulting in being unable to maintain their momentum throughout the game. The Pelicans had a rocky start in the first half, shooting only 4 for 17 from 3-point distance yet still managed to lead by nine points at halftime. The turning point came in the third quarter when the 76ers made a remarkable comeback, shooting 6-for-8 from beyond the arc to equalize. However, the Pelicans countered with a strong response, closing the period on an impressive 16-2 run and finishing with a 15-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Despite the strong efforts from Philadelphia's Justin Edwards and Jared Butler, both of whom scored 19 points, the 76ers finished their six-game road trip with a disappointing 1-5 record. This marked their fifth consecutive loss, highlighting their current struggles in the league. The absence of their leading players has significantly affected the team's performance, as they have now lost eight out of their last nine games, putting them in a challenging position as the season progresses. As for the Pelicans, they snapped a two-game losing streak, marking only their second win in the last seven games. Zion Williamson, a key player for the team, was still sidelined due to a back injury, while CJ McCollum, who previously scored 40 points in a game against Detroit, also did not play. In upcoming games, the 76ers will return home for a three-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the Washington Wizards, while the Pelicans prepare to host the Golden State Warriors. The ongoing injuries and performance inconsistencies continue to be pivotal as the teams seek to improve their standings in the league.