The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 101-94, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.

The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans held a, 23-22, lead after one quarter. The contest stayed tight through the second and the score was tied at 50, heading into halftime. The Pelicans picked up the pace in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by eight points, to take the advantage into the final frame. The Sixers gathered themselves and kept it close through the fourth, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and closed out the home win, ending a two-game slide.

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 37 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, in 35 minutes. Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Willy Hernangomez tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field, including 4-of-22 from long range.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Joel Embiid finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Ben Simmons tallied 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists, five steals and a block. The Sixers shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.

The Sixers (35-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC in on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-29) take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday.