Sixers reach new low with an embarrassing 123-115 loss against the shorthanded Pelicans

Another night, another head-scratching loss for the Sixers. This time, it came at the hands of a Pelicans team that suspended Zion Williamson hours before tip-off.

Even without Williamson and a laundry list of injuries, New Orleans had little trouble sending the Sixers to another embarrassing defeat, raising serious questions about where this team is headed.

Offensive Dysfunction Continues

If you’ve been watching the Sixers this year, you know their offense often looks like it’s being held together by duct tape and prayers. Friday night was no different. Outside of Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr. and a brief second-half resurgence from Paul George, the Sixers’ possessions felt chaotic and poorly thought out.

The lack of playmakers on this team is glaring. When Maxey isn’t breaking down the defense or when Embiid is out and not drawing double teams, this offense devolves into contested jumpers and turnovers.

There’s no rhythm, no flow, and no one to step up when the stars are neutralized.

This is a team that doesn’t just need more talent—they need smarter players who can read the game and make the right decisions.

Guerschon Yabusele Hits His Limit

Guerschon Yabusele has been one of the few bright spots this season, but Friday night was a reminder that he’s not a cure-all. Forced into playing center against a bigger Pelicans frontcourt, Yabusele struggled mightily. The Pelicans made life miserable for him, dominating the paint and exposing the Sixers’ lack of size.

While Yabusele’s shooting has been a revelation, his defensive limitations were on full display but it’s hardly his fault. He’s being asked to do a lot in a role he’s not built for—but the Sixers’ reliance on him underscores their lack of depth in the front court.

Paul George: A Tale of Two Halves

Paul George’s performance against the Pelicans was a microcosm of his season: inconsistent and frustrating. The first half was rough, with George picking up silly fouls and taking himself out of the game. His decision-making was poor, and his body language didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

I guess Paul George is bored? Who knows at this point…lol

Paul George says he’s “bored” playing center for the 76ers 😬

(h/t @FeelLikeDrew)pic.twitter.com/sJpPhMfJvV

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 11, 2025

But then came the second half, where George showed flashes of why the Sixers brought him in. He hit tough jumpers, facilitated for his teammates, and brought energy on the defensive end. Unfortunately, by the time he found his groove, the damage was already done. The Sixers need George to be a leader for all four quarters, not just in spurts.

George scored 25 points with 11 assists and five rebounds on the night.

No Surprise Here, But Tyrese Maxey Can’t Do It Alone

Tyrese Maxey continues to be the heartbeat of this team, and Friday night was no different. His eight first-half assists were a testament to his improved playmaking, and he kept the Sixers afloat with timely buckets and smart decision-making.

But the Pelicans adjusted in the second half, throwing double teams and zones at Maxey to force the ball out of his hands. Without a reliable secondary playmaker, the offense sputtered, and Maxey’s impact was diminished. He’s grown leaps and bounds this season, but asking him to carry this team every night is a recipe for disaster.

Maxey finished with 30 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds in the loss.

Defensive Collapse

For all their offensive struggles, the Sixers have generally been able to rely on their defense to keep them in games. Not this time. The Pelicans exploited poor rotations, miscommunications, and a lack of rim protection to score at will in the second half.

New Orleans didn’t just beat the Sixers—they exposed them. Without a true defensive anchor outside of Embiid, the Sixers are vulnerable, and teams are starting to figure that out.

What’s Next for the Sixers?

This loss feels like a tipping point. The Sixers are running out of excuses, and their margin for error is shrinking by the day. The roster is flawed, the rotations are uninspiring, and the effort—while commendable—isn’t enough to overcome their deficiencies.

There’s still time to right the ship, but it’s hard to see how this team gets there without significant changes.

Whether it’s a trade, a coaching adjustment, or a philosophical shift, something has to give. Because right now, the Sixers look like a team adrift, and the NBA waits for no one.

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