Game Details:

Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Date & Time: Monday, March 24, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET

Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

Betting Line: Pelicans -3.5 | Over/Under: 228.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Positioning at Stake

Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race, making this a crucial matchup. The 76ers are battling for seeding in the Eastern Conference, while the Pelicans are aiming to secure home-court advantage in the West.

Battle of the Bigs: Embiid vs. Williamson

One of the biggest matchups to watch is the showdown between Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson. Embiid, one of the most dominant centers in the league, is expected to be a force in the paint, while Williamson’s explosive scoring ability could cause problems for Philly’s defense.

76ers’ Road Test

Philadelphia has struggled on the road this season, posting a sub-.500 record in away games. Facing a Pelicans squad that thrives at home could present a significant challenge.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

Both teams have key players on the injury report, which could shift the dynamics of the game. Keeping an eye on last-minute updates will be crucial for bettors.

Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers:

Out: De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (knee)

Questionable: Tyrese Maxey (ankle)

New Orleans Pelicans:

Out: Larry Nance Jr. (shoulder), Dyson Daniels (foot)

Questionable: Trey Murphy III (knee)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

76ers: 34-30 ATS this season

Pelicans: 36-28 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games.

The total has gone over in 6 of New Orleans’ last 8 home games.

Home vs. Away:

Philadelphia is 14-18 on the road this season.

New Orleans is 19-12 at home.

Player Prop to Watch

Joel Embiid (76ers) – Points Total: 29.5

Embiid has been averaging 30+ points per game this season when healthy, making the over on his total an intriguing bet.

Zion Williamson (Pelicans) – Rebounds Total: 7.5

With Philadelphia’s size in the frontcourt, Zion may need to be more aggressive on the boards.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Pelicans -3.5 → New Orleans has been strong at home, and if Maxey is limited, the 76ers could struggle offensively.

Total: Under 228.5 → Philly has been trending toward lower-scoring road games.

Player Prop: Joel Embiid Over 29.5 points → If Maxey is out or limited, Embiid will likely take on more of the scoring load.

With the Pelicans’ strong home record and Philadelphia’s road struggles, New Orleans has the edge in this contest. Expect a competitive game, but the Pelicans should pull away late.

Final Score Prediction: Pelicans 115, 76ers 109