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Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid vs New Orleans Pelicans (Image via Getty)
The Philadelphia 76ers play the New Orleans Pelicans on February 21, 2026. Both teams are dealing with injuries. Philadelphia are trying to stay in the playoff race. New Orleans are near the bottom of the standings but still have scoring options.This game depends on who is available. The Sixers are missing two key players. The Pelicans also have injuries in the backcourt. Final lineups could change before tip-off.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report vs New Orleans Pelicans (February 21, 2026)
Philadelphia will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George.
| Player | Status | Reason | Impact |
| Joel Embiid | Out | Knee management, shin soreness | Main scorer and rim protector unavailable |
| Paul George | Out | Suspension | Second scoring option and top defender out |
| MarJon Beauchamp | Doubtful | G League assignment | Wing depth reduced |
| Johni Broome | Doubtful | G League assignment | Frontcourt depth reduced |
| Kelly Oubre Jr. | Available | Knee brace | Available but may not be fully fit |
Tyrese Maxey will handle most of the offense. Andre Drummond and Charles Bassey will play inside. Oubre and the younger players will get more minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report vs Philadelphia 76ers (February 21, 2026)
New Orleans are also missing key guards.
| Player | Status | Reason | Impact |
| Dejounte Murray | Out | Achilles injury | Main ball-handler unavailable |
| Micah Peavy | Out | Toe injury | Guard depth reduced |
| Trey Murphy III | Questionable | Toe, shoulder soreness | Key shooter may miss game |
| Yves Missi | Questionable | Calf injury | Affects size and rebounding |
Zion Williamson leads the team. Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey, and Jordan Poole support him. If Murphy does not play, shooting becomes a problem.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans Team structure and season context
Philadelphia are built around Embiid and Maxey. With Embiid out, Maxey carries the scoring load. The team is around 30-25 and fourth in the division.New Orleans are 15-42. Zion is the main option. Injuries have affected consistency, especially without Murray.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans Recent head-to-head trend favors Pelicans
New Orleans have won the last four meetings since the 2023-24 season.
The latest was a 124-114 win on January 31, 2026. Embiid had 40 points and 11 rebounds in that game, but Philadelphia still lost.The Pelicans have done well in this matchup by pushing the pace and scoring from outside.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans Key statistical snapshot
Philadelphia score around 115-118 points per game. Maxey leads scoring and assists. Drummond leads rebounding. The team relies on perimeter shooting.New Orleans score around 110-115 points per game. Zion and Queen handle inside scoring.
Murphy and Bey provide shooting. Defense has been a problem.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New Orleans Pelicans Matchups that will decide the game
Maxey has an advantage against a short-handed Pelicans backcourt. Zion will test Philadelphia inside without Embiid.If Murphy does not play, New Orleans lose shooting. That could help Philadelphia control the game.Also read: Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star's injury report (February 21, 2026)
76ers vs Pelicans Betting angle and game outlook (February 21, 2026)
Philadelphia are slight favorites at around -4.5. The total is in the mid-220s.The game will depend on Maxey’s scoring and how Philadelphia manage without Embiid. New Orleans need Zion to carry the offense and make up for missing players.
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