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.