Pelicans Adjust Roster Ahead of Key Matchup Against 76ers

PHOENIX, Arizona — The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Philadelphia 76ers on March 24, 2025, in a game that highlights the teams’ contrasting trajectories this season, particularly with the Pelicans struggling with injuries.

Zion Williamson will miss the third consecutive game due to a back injury, leading to significant roster adjustments for the Pelicans. Alongside Williamson, CJ McCollum will be sidelined for rest, and Bruce Brown is out due to conditioning. This marks the first time this season the Pelicans will play without Williamson, McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Brandon Boston Jr., forcing them to rely on emerging players.

Jordan Hawkins, priced at $4,000 on DraftKings, stands out as a strong fantasy option amid the team’s injury woes. In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Hawkins scored 25 points, tying his season high, and showcased his shooting prowess by hitting six three-pointers, all within 31 minutes of play. He has averaged over 20 fantasy points in each of his last three games.

“I had the chance to step up, and I took it,” Hawkins said after the game on Sunday. “With so many guys out, I knew I had to be aggressive and contribute.”

Hawkins’s performance reflects his increased playing time and usage rate, which have risen significantly in the absence of key players. In the four games he has played this season without McCollum and others, Hawkins has averaged 26.3 fantasy points and a 26.2% usage rate.

The Pelicans will also look to utilize frontcourt players like Karlo Matkovic ($4,400) and Kelly Olynyk ($5,300). Yves Missi ($4,500) is listed as questionable due to a hip injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to New Orleans’s game plan as they prepare for the Sixers.

Meanwhile, the 76ers recently dropped a game to the San Antonio Spurs, 128-120, marking their third straight loss. With a record of 23-47, their focus has shifted to securing a top-six protected draft pick ahead of the upcoming lottery scheduled for May 12. They currently hold the same record as the Brooklyn Nets, putting them in a crucial position as the season nears its end.

As Philadelphia prepares for this game, they are coming off a performance where Quentin Grimes led the team with 25 points against the Spurs. However, the 76ers have struggled on both ends of the court this season, ranking 25th in points scored per game and allowing an average of 115.4 points.

The upcoming match is pivotal for both teams, with the Pelicans aiming to capitalize on their young talent and the 76ers searching for a much-needed victory to improve their draft positioning.

Both teams have different stakes as they head into this matchup. The Hawks recently demonstrated their offensive strength, scoring 122.2 points per game over their last ten. The 76ers will meet the Hawks for the first time ahead of their bout with the Pelicans, creating a sense of urgency to bolster their performance as they look to regain their footing.

The game against the 76ers is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on multiple platforms, including FDSSE and NBCS-PH+. Fans can also purchase tickets through Vivid Seats for those looking to witness the action live.