The 76ers are in a prime position tonight to help secure the first seed in the Eastern Conference. With a win tonight and just two of their next five, the 76ers will clinch the first seed for the first time since 2001. Philly will be hosting an injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans tonight, who are coming off a close win against the Golden State Warriors.

When these two played back in early April, the Pelicans came away with a massive win over the Sixers 107-94. Joel Embiid was still finding his groove following his knee injury and could only put up 14 points. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson put on a show, having 37 points and 15 rebounds. 

Tonight this matchup is going to look a lot different. Zion Williamson is possibly done for the season with a fractured finger, and Brandon Ingram is out with an ankle injury. These injuries are a brutal blow to New Orleans, who desperately needs a win tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Currently, they are a game and half out of the play-in tournament in the West.

Nobody has been placed on the injury report yet for the 76ers following a blowout win against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The entire starting lineup played around 25 minutes each and will likely play every game until the first seed is clinched. Joel Embiid & company shouldn’t face much of a challenge from the Pelicans without their two stars. After tonight the 76ers will have a quick turnaround hosting the Detroit Pistons tomorrow at 7.

Mandatory Credit:  Sean Gardner Getty Images