The schedule said New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers.
But both teams, decimated by injuries this season, were just a shell of themselves Monday night at the Smoothie King Center.
The list of guys not playing was about as long as the list of guys who did.
No Zion Williamson. No Joel Embiid. No Paul George or Tyrese Maxey. No CJ McCollum. No Trey Murphy. No Herb Jones. No Dejounte Murray or Eric Gordon. That’s just to name a few.
In a game that lacked star power, the Pelicans prevailed with a 112-99 victory.
Guys who are typically role players played key roles for the Pelicans.
Rookie center Karlo Matkovic tied his career-high with 19 points to go with eight rebounds.
Rookie Antonio Reeves came off the bench and led the Pelicans with 17 points to go with nine rebounds. Reeves shot 6 of 10 from the floor, including 5 of 7 3-pointers.
Kelly Olynyk finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Gretna native Elfrid Payton, signed last week to a 10-day contract, dished out 14 assists. Yves Missi scored 16 points and had nine rebounds.
The Pelicans, one year removed from a 49-game win season, improved to 20-53, The 76ers, who won 47 games last year, dropped to 23-49.
It’s been a frustrating season for both franchises.
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse knows exactly what Pelicans’ coach Willie Green has gone through this season. Nurse has gone through it too. Embiid, his best player, has suited up for just 19 games this season. He’s had six other players who have battled injuries, including George who has also been shut down for the remainder of the season.
“It’s never fun, never easy and certainly not anybody’s expectations at the start of the year to be where both of our teams are at,” Nurse said. “… It gets a little long and overwhelming in a lot of ways.”
The Pelicans started their 40th different lineup. Rookie Keion Brooks scored 10 points in his first start. He was joined in the starting five by Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, Olynyk and Missi. “It’ll be collective again,” Green said before the game. “We’ll need all hands on deck from everybody. It’s really an opportunity that these guys have to relish to step on the floor and compete. Play hard and play fast, play together and go after it.”
For the Pelicans, it was their first win after the All-Star break without Zion Williamson, who missed the game with a low back contusion.
Jared Butler, who played high school ball at Riverside Academy, scored 19 for Philly. The 76ers used their 48th different lineup.
“At some point, you ‘ve just got to accept that this is what’s happening,” Nurse said. “Especially when (players) get ruled out for the season. Then my approach was to keep coaching, keep working, keep preparing, stay super positive. Give these young guys a chance to succeed.”
