Where to watch Pelicans vs. 76ers live: lineups, schedule, and NBA game details in New OrleansPor Janderson
8 min de leitura
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This Monday night promises an electrifying matchup in the NBA regular season as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Scheduled for 7:00 PM (Brasília time), the game pits two teams at different stages of the competition against each other. The Pelicans, with a record of 19 wins and 53 losses, aim to pull off an upset at home and climb the Western Conference standings, while the 76ers look to recover from an inconsistent season in the East and solidify their playoff spot. This regular-season clash is set to deliver intensity, spotlighting the strategies of coaches Willie Green of the home team and Nick Nurse of the visitors, who rely on their key players to shape the outcome. The atmosphere in the arena is expected to be electric, with the local crowd ready to rally behind the Pelicans against a storied opponent.
Playing at home, the New Orleans Pelicans lean on the strength of the Smoothie King Center, which holds about 16,867 fans. Despite a challenging campaign, the team has shown flashes of competitiveness lately and hopes to capitalize on the home advantage to outplay the 76ers. The matchup also offers an intriguing tactical battle, with the Pelicans pushing their fast-paced offense and the Sixers aiming to dominate the paint with physicality.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers, led by stars like Joel Embiid when he’s available, have grappled with injuries throughout the season but remain a formidable threat. This game in New Orleans presents a chance for the visitors to find consistency and regain momentum as the regular season nears its end.
- Time: 7:00 PM (Brasília time)
- Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
- Competition: NBA regular season
Live streaming and viewing options
The Pelicans vs. 76ers game will be broadcast live for Brazilian fans exclusively on the NBA League Pass, the league’s official streaming platform. It offers commentary in Portuguese and English, plus features like replays and real-time stats, accessible on devices such as phones, tablets, or computers. For local viewers, the game will also air on WVUE and GCSEN, with radio options including WWL AM/FM, 105.7 Tropical FM, and 94.7 FM for Spanish-language coverage.
Probable lineups and key players
The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to field a lineup reflecting their dynamic style. Based on their last game against the Miami Heat on March 22, the probable starters are CJ McCollum at point guard, Herb Jones as shooting guard, Brandon Ingram at small forward, Zion Williamson as power forward, and Jonas Valanciunas at center. Williamson, with standout averages when healthy, is the primary offensive weapon, while Ingram adds versatility to the attack.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the lineup hinges on Joel Embiid’s availability, as he’s been questionable with a knee injury. In their most recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 20, the starting five featured Tyrese Maxey at point guard, Quentin Grimes as shooting guard, Kelly Oubre Jr. at small forward, Tobias Harris as power forward, and Andre Drummond at center, with Embiid sidelined. Maxey’s speed and Harris’s reliability lead the offense in the star center’s absence.
How the teams are trending
The past five games highlight each team’s form. The Pelicans won three, beating the Miami Heat (111-88), Atlanta Hawks (108-102), and San Antonio Spurs (112-98), but fell to the Indiana Pacers (115-102) and Cleveland Cavaliers (127-117). The 76ers secured two victories, over the Miami Heat (105-98) and Indiana Pacers (118-114), but dropped games to the Cleveland Cavaliers (137-115), Houston Rockets (100-96), and Oklahoma City Thunder (133-100), showing inconsistency.
Recent performances suggest a slight uptick for the Pelicans, especially at home, where the crowd could tip the scales. Conversely, the 76ers have struggled defensively, allowing high point totals, a weakness New Orleans’ quick offense might exploit.
Head-to-head history
The historical matchup between the teams shows balance in recent years. In the last five meetings, the 76ers won three, including a 124-115 victory in January 2024. However, the Pelicans took the most recent home game in December 2024 by a narrow margin, proving the home factor can be pivotal. Across over 50 all-time matchups in NBA history, the Sixers hold a slight edge.
Scoring averages in these games hover around 225 points, hinting at a high-octane affair. Over the past decade, the 76ers have won roughly 60% of their encounters, though the Pelicans have grown more competitive with Zion Williamson’s rise.
- Pelicans 112 vs. 98 Spurs (03/22)
- 76ers 100 vs. 133 Thunder (03/20)
- Average points per game in matchups: 225.5
Tickets and vibe at Smoothie King Center
Tickets for the game are available through the Pelicans’ official website and authorized outlets in New Orleans. Prices range from $30 to $150 based on court proximity, with expectations of a near-capacity crowd. The Pelicans’ passionate fanbase is set to turn the Smoothie King Center into a cauldron, especially against a heavyweight like the 76ers.
Gates open at 4:00 PM (local time), giving fans time to enjoy pre-game festivities. The charged atmosphere is poised to be a game-changer, boosting the home side’s bid for a critical win.
Weather forecast for New Orleans tonight
Monday’s forecast in New Orleans calls for a mild evening, with temperatures between 64°F and 72°F and partly cloudy skies. No rain is expected, easing travel for fans heading to the Smoothie King Center. Inside the climate-controlled arena, comfort is assured, though the crowd’s energy will likely heat things up.
Top scorers and players to watch
Zion Williamson stands out for the Pelicans, posting elite numbers when on the floor. His blend of power and explosiveness in the paint will test the 76ers’ defense. Brandon Ingram, with his shooting touch, is another constant threat. For the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as an offensive leader, especially without Embiid, while Tobias Harris brings experience and steadiness.
The paint battle will be critical, with Jonas Valanciunas facing Andre Drummond if Embiid sits out. Maxey’s quickness against CJ McCollum’s defense could also produce highlight-reel moments.
Tactical breakdown
Pelicans coach Willie Green is likely to emphasize quick transitions and mid-range shooting to probe the 76ers’ defense. Zion Williamson’s presence in the paint will be key to creating space and challenging opposing bigs. Nick Nurse, leading the Sixers, may focus on fortifying the interior defense and leveraging Maxey’s perimeter playmaking.
Each team’s ability to adapt mid-game could decide the outcome. The Pelicans hold an edge in offensive tempo, while the 76ers bank on defensive resilience to stifle New Orleans’ attack.
Officiating and on-court flow
The NBA has yet to confirm the officiating crew, but seasoned referees are anticipated given the game’s stakes. Recent matchups between these teams have seen strict yet fair officiating, with low technical foul counts, suggesting a smooth, player-driven contest.
A skilled crew will be vital to manage the expected intensity, particularly in clutch moments when aggression might spike.
Fun facts about the matchup
The Smoothie King Center has hosted memorable performances against the 76ers, like Zion Williamson’s 37-point outburst in 2023. The Pelicans also have a knack for upsetting top teams at home, raising the stakes for this game. On the Sixers’ side, Joel Embiid, when active, typically excels against New Orleans, averaging over 30 points in recent meetings.
Though not a historic rivalry, the matchup has gained traction with young stars on both rosters, making each game a fresh storyline in the season.
- Zion Williamson: 25 points per game average at home
- Tyrese Maxey: 28-point standout vs. Heat
- Smoothie King Center: opened in 1999
Game schedule and upcoming tests
Tonight’s clash follows the NBA’s standard evening slate. Key times in Brasília time:
- 5:00 PM: Smoothie King Center gates open
- 6:30 PM: Live coverage begins on NBA League Pass
- 7:00 PM: Tip-off
- 9:30 PM (approx.): Expected end, barring overtime
Post-game, the Pelicans face the Atlanta Hawks on March 25, while the 76ers take on the San Antonio Spurs on March 27, both critical matchups in the season’s final stretch.
Predictions for tonight’s clash
Analysts slightly favor the Pelicans, buoyed by home court and the 76ers’ road struggles. Joel Embiid’s status is a game-changer for the visitors, while Zion Williamson’s consistency could seal it for the hosts. A close score is anticipated, with New Orleans targeting Philadelphia’s shaky defense.
Expect heightened drama in the fourth quarter as both teams vie for control. The Pelicans’ offense has a slight edge, but the 76ers’ clutch experience remains a factor.
