The buzz is building around what a healthy Philadelphia 76ers team could do in the second half of the season, and they can pad their record tonight against the 13-37 New Orleans Pelicans.
But Philadelphia had to mount a late comeback to dodge a stumble against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and it also takes a hit with Paul George sidelined by suspension, leaving my Pelicans vs. 76ers predictions leaning on Tyrese Maxey needing to put on his cape again here.
Get a closer look at this January 31 clash with my free NBA picks and betting angles.
Pelicans vs 76ers prediction
Pelicans vs 76ers best bet: Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists (+110)
After carrying the Philadelphia 76ers offense for large chunks of this season, it must be a nice luxury for Tyrese Maxey to have co-stars to lean on.
With Joel Embiid back on the floor — and even after losing Paul George for an extended stretch due to a 25-game suspension — the 76ers still shape up as a dangerous playoff threat, and it all hinges on Maxey’s ability to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
For tonight’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, I’m looking past Maxey’s scoring and targeting his playmaking instead. He’s averaging 6.9 assists per game this year, just outside the Top 10 in the NBA, but there’s a much higher ceiling for this prop these days with a healthier roster around him.
Maxey has nailed this Over in five of his last eight outings, and he’s averaged 8 APG in that span. That’s a reflection of several key developments, including VJ Edgecombe’s continued rise and, most of all, Maxey’s ability to set up Embiid in the pick and roll.
With Embiid crushing opponents in the mid-range, a chunk of Maxey’s dimes stem from that play, and it’s asking a lot for Zion Williamson or Derik Queen to make the right reads.
I’m grabbing the slight plus odds here, especially with the length of Herb Jones shifting Maxey from scorer to passer at times.
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Pelicans vs 76ers same-game parlay
The Pelicans have shown some fight lately, and they’ve covered the spread in four straight outings. With the 76ers making hard work of their home date with the Kings earlier this week, I’m taking the points here and trusting Zion and Co. to keep this one close.
Saddiq Bey has been on a steals hot streak, with at least one swipe in each of his past six games, and he snared three steals on Friday against the Grizzlies. With Embiid still a little limited with his movement, he’s a turnover candidate, and that’s where Bey could pounce.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
- Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
- Pelicans +10
- Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pels need a dominant Zion
Zion Williamson has nailed this Over in four straight games, and he’s even finished with a double-digit rebounds tally in three of those outings.
An active Zion performance is a must if New Orleans is going to hang around in this matchup.
Pelicans vs 76ers SGP
- Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 assists
- Pelicans +10
- Saddiq Bey Over 0.5 steals
- Zion Williamson Over 6.5 rebounds
Pelicans vs 76ers odds
- Spread: New Orleans +8.5 (-110) | Philadelphia -8.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: New Orleans +230 | Philadelphia -280
- Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Pelicans vs 76ers betting trend to know
The Pelicans are 28-22 ATS this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. 76ers.
How to watch Pelicans vs 76ers
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Pelicans+, NBC Sports Philadelphia |
Pelicans vs 76ers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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