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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Tulane Basketball Committment: Jordann Dumont

By Patrick Harkness • May 4, 2026
Tulane Green Wave Commit VCU Transfer Jordan Dumont- @jordann_dumont 6-8/220 Forward Offensive Game Shooting & Floor Spacing: Dumont is an outstanding shooter with excellent range and a quick, confident release. HS evaluators called him a “phenomenal shooter and overall floor-spacer.” In limited college minutes at Villanova (2024-25), he shot 45.5% from three (10-of-22) and went 4-of-4 from deep in a career-high 15-point outburst vs. No. 16 Marquette (Feb. 21, 2025). He can score at every level but thrives stretching the floor. Finishing & Scoring Versatility: Soft touch around the basket with creative finishes using either hand. He excels in transition (running the floor for easy buckets or leading breaks) and has a strong feel for scoring in a variety of ways. Not purely a catch-and-shoot guy, he can put the ball on the floor, handle in traffic, and attack closeouts. Playmaking: Solid ball-handling and passing for a forward of his size. He sees the floor well and can find teammates, though he is not a primary creator. Defense & Rebounding Dumont projects as a multi-positional defender who can guard 1-5 thanks to his length, athleticism, and IQ. He has a “strong nose for the ball” on the glass and rebounds above his listed size/position. He toggles effectively between paint and perimeter on both ends and brings toughness and competitiveness. Rebounding: Explosive on the offensive and defensive glass; uses length and timing well. Defensive Upside: High potential due to physical tools, though limited college minutes have not yet allowed him to showcase it fully in extended action. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave

Tulane Basketball Commitment: Caedmon Bontrager

By Patrick Harkness • May 4, 2026
Tulane Green Wave Commit Forward Transfer Caedmon Bontrager- @CaedmonBontrag1 6-7/230 Indiana Wesleyan U (NAIA) Bontrager has a strong, compact, NBA-ready frame at 6’7”/230 lbs with broad shoulders, long arms, and a sturdy lower body ideal for banging in the paint and absorbing contact. He plays with high motor and toughness, evident in relentless rebounding pursuits, putbacks, and recovery after falls in highlights. Athletic tools include good vertical explosiveness (frequent lob catches and authoritative dunks, including half-court alley-oops), solid lateral quickness for a big, and the ability to run the floor in transition. Not an elite leaper or freak athlete by D1/NBA standards, but his functional athleticism, timing, and body control make him highly effective around the rim. Wingspan appears average-plus for height; strength is a plus (holds position well vs. bigger bodies in NAIA). Strengths: Elite interior scorer and finisher. Uses strength, body control, and timing for high-percentage shots at the rim (putbacks, drop steps, hooks, and power finishes through contact). Outstanding offensive rebounder who converts second-chance opportunities at an elite rate. High motor and instincts around the basket make him a constant threat in the paint. Developing face-up game and mid-range touch; occasional 3PT range (volume increased in 2025-26) and improved FT% show stretch potential. Good hands for catching lobs and quick decisions in traffic. Strengths: Rim protector with excellent timing (1.1+ BPG; led team). Strong rebounder on both ends, physical and relentless on the glass with good box-out technique and second-effort hustle. Active hands and anticipation lead to steals/blocks. High effort level translates to team defense. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave
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