Zion injured in Pelicans' loss to 76ers

Chrissy Smith • January 3, 2023

PHILADELPHIA -- Too many first-quarter turnovers and too few free-throw attempts resulted in a 120-111 Pelicans loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.


76ers star Joel Embiid had 42 points and 11 rebounds while James Harden scored 27 points in the win. Although Embiid played with a sore back and was questionable to play before the game, the most disappointing news, is that the Pels lost Zion Williamson to a strained right hamstring in the third quarter.


New Orleans committed 17 total turnovers with seven of those coming in the first quarter alone. Philadelphia scored 20 points off the Pels’ turnovers, but the Pelicans managed to keep the game close until the final minute of play.


Both C.J. McCollum and Williamson scored 26 points each for New Orleans, but no one was able to stop Embiid as he dominated in every avenue of the game, scoring 42 points, having 11 boards, and hitting all 10 of his free throws.


The news of Williamson having to leave the game is not something Pelicans fans want to hear as it’s already been a challenge with Brandon Ingram not having played since November 25. Larry Nance is also currently out due to neck spasms.


The Pelicans will play again on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7 pm against the Houston Rockets. The game will be played in the Smoothie King Center and tickets, although limited, are available. 

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Athlete in black shirt and shorts crouches on indoor turf in a training facility.

Transfer Portal Spotlight: Riley Rushing

By Patrick Harkness • August 3, 2026
OG 
Riley Rushing- (D2) Mars Hill U 
Riley Rushing fits Tulane as a 6’4”, 295-pound versatile interior offensive lineman (OG with OT experience) with proven D-II starting production, elite physical finish, block-sustaining ability, and pancake-heavy run-game dominance who immediately adds competition and depth to a revamped OL room needing toughness and flexibility after key graduations. 
He’s a junior transfer from Mars Hill University (D-II, North Carolina) who committed on January 5, 2026, via the portal (entered November 20, 2025). A product of Milton HS in Alpharetta, GA (near Atlanta), he has two years of eligibility remaining (#71).  
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offensive line (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) prioritizes physical, nasty trench warriors who sustain blocks through the whistle, dominate the run game with pancakes, and provide reliable pass protection on the interior in their west coast hybrid attack. Rushing is a perfect match as a high-floor, scheme-versatile piece. 
• Size and physicality: At 6’4”/295, he brings a powerful, long-levered frame with the agility to play fast, ideal for sealing edges, pulling, and finishing blocks violently. 
• Versatility and technique: Two-year starter who has lined up at both OG and OT (plus interior flexibility). Excels at sustaining blocks and piling up pancakes; recorded zero sacks allowed in the 2025 season despite heavy snaps. 
• Intangibles: Southeast ties (Alpharetta, GA) and a reputation as a relentless, high-motor finisher who brings toughness and football IQ from a competitive D-II program. Tulane targeted portal OLs with immediate starting upside to replace departed starters like LT Derrick Graham and LG Shadre Hurst. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
A.J. Westfield in a blue Tulane uniform with stats: 65 tackles, 10 sacks, 25 TFLs, 1 INT

Class of 2026 Spotlight: AJ Westfield

By Patrick Harkness • August 3, 2026
DL 
AJ Westfield 6-2/281 Cleveland, TN 
A.J. Westfield is a versatile defensive lineman from the Class of 2026, playing for Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tennessee. 
As a two-way player with experience on both sides of the line, Westfield has shown promise as a disruptive interior defender capable of lining up in multiple spots along the defensive front. 
His multi-sport background, including basketball as a 6-2 power forward, enhances his athletic profile and contributes to his fluidity in space. 
Westfield committed to Tulane early in his recruitment process and signed during the early period, positioning him as a key addition to the Green Wave’s defensive line class. He is described by evaluators as an “absolute monster” with high upside, particularly in generating backfield pressure.  
Scouting report: 
Build: Strong, sturdy frame with good overall size for an interior lineman. Broad shoulders and a powerful lower body that supports explosive movements. 
Speed/Explosion: Demonstrates impressive quickness off the snap, with excellent footwork and burst. 
Versatility: Can line up anywhere on the defensive front, interior tackle, edge rusher, or 3-tech. His ability to “attack any of the five offensive linemen” (per Prep Redzone scout Shayne Pickering) makes him a scheme-flexible asset, ideal for modern defenses that rotate personnel. 
Quickness and Footwork: Exceptional first-step explosion allows him to burst off the edge or interior and penetrate gaps quickly. Excellent footwork enables him to adjust mid-play, shed blocks, and pursue quarterbacks or ball carriers effectively. Described as having “incredible quickness” that leads to consistent backfield pressure (SI). 
Athleticism and Motor: Basketball background translates to fluid movement in space, balance, and lateral agility. High motor, relentless in pursuit, generates pressure “at all times” (Prep Redzone). Strong hands and leverage help him win at the point of attack. 
Run Defense: Powerful lower body and technique make him stout against the run. His 40 TFL in a single season demonstrate gap integrity and the ability to stack and shed blockers. 
Pass Rush: Effective interior rusher with a developing arsenal of moves. Uses quickness to collapse pockets and has shown the ability to convert speed to power. Potential to be a consistent sack producer at the college level. 
Development Potential: On a “promising development arc” (Prep Redzone), with the frame to add weight and strength. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkenss on X
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