New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia 76ers: preview and player stats (Feb 1, 2027)

Murphy (knee) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. Murphy will miss a third consecutive game while nursing bilateral patellar tendinopathy. He'll aim to return in the second leg of this back-to-back set against the Nuggets on Saturday. Saddiq Bey should continue to see an expanded role with Murphy on the sidelines.

Murray (ankle) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. This was the expectation after the star guard requested a trade from the Pelicans earlier Friday. Given his standing with the club, Murray can be tentatively considered doubtful for future contests while New Orleans tries to find him another home.

Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Even though Missi has been trending in the right direction and was recently cleared to resume on-court activities, this game will come too soon for him. This means Missi will miss an 11th consecutive game while dealing with a left knee bone bruise. His next chance to play will come Saturday against the Nuggets, and in the meantime, Karlo Matkovic will remain in the starting lineup.

McGowens (elbow) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. McGowens has been downgraded from doubtful to out with a left elbow infection. He faces a quick turnaround to return ahead of Saturday's tilt against Denver.

Watford (ankle) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.

James (back) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto. The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

Barlow (back) participated in Thursday's shootaround but doesn't have a timeline to return to game action, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. Barlow has been dealing with back soreness dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Hukporti has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy. Reported out for season.