Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans 10/20/21 - NBA Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 10/19/2021 at 10:06 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers open their NBA regular season on the road Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena. Philadelphia was 49-23 last season and finished first in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers have added Grant Riller, Aaron Henry, George Niang, Andre Drummond and drafted Jaden Springer. George Hill, Anthony Tolliver and Rayjon Tuckers are no longer with the 76ers.

Philadelphia is expected to start Seth Curry and Ben Simmons in the backcourt although Simmons is not likely to start on opening night as he has just joined the club after a holdout. Danny Green and Tobias Harris will be the starting forwards with Joel Embiid starting at center. Shake Milton, Andre Drummond and George Niang will be the first three off the bench. Simmons finally reported to the team and gives Philadelphia one of the best defensive players in the NBA. Embiid will be the focal point on offense and will clean the glass at both ends of the court. 

New Orleans finished 31-41 and 11th in the Western Conference last season. Joining New Orleans during the offseason were Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham and the Pelicans drafted Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. No longer with New Orleans are Steven Adams, Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe. New Orleans will start the regular season without star Zion Williamson who is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

Davonte’ Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are expected to be the starting backcourt for New Orleans, while Brandon Ingram and Naji Marshall will start at forward with Jonas Valanciunas at center. Josh Hart, Garrett Temple and Jaxson Hayes will be the first three off the bench. Valanciunas is expected to be a big contributor on offense as well as clog up the paint on defense. Ingram will carry most of the scoring load in Williamson’s absence.

New Orleans will be at home, but the Pelicans must start the season without Zion Williamson, which is a big loss. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid is expected to be one of the leading contenders for the NBA MVP and Ben Simmons only recently re-joined the club, but Philadelphia has enough depth with Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, Danny Green and Shake Milton amongst others to take care of business on Wednesday. Final Score Prediction, Philadelphia 76ers win and cover ATS 116-108.

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