Sixers-Pelicans: Trying to overcome New Orleans' twin towers
Sixers small forward Robert Covington is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.
76ers (13-12) at New Orleans Pelicans (13-13)
Sunday at 7 p.m., at Smoothie King Center
Talking points
The Pelicans boast arguably the NBA's best post tandem in center DeMarcus Cousins and power forward Anthony Davis. Cousins ranks fifth in the league in scoring at 26.3 points per game, third in rebounding at 12.6 per game and ninth in blocks at 1.62. Meanwhile, Davis is ninth in scoring (24.9), eighth in rebounds (10.7) and eighth in blocks (1.6). He returned to action Thursday after missing the previous three games with a groin injury.
How to watch and follow the game
TV and streaming: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 FM
Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah
Starting lineups
Sixers (13-12)
17 JJ Redick G 6-4 16.1 ppg. 3.5 apg.
9 Dario Saric PF 6-10 11.6 ppg. 6.6 rpg.
21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 23.5 ppg. 11.1 rpg.
0 Jerryd Bayless SG 6-3 9.2 ppg. 2.6 rpg
25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.6 ppg. 9.3 rpg.
Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 88-265)
Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder scapular muscle imbalance, out); Justin Anderson (left shin splints, out); T.J. McConnell (sprained AC joint in left shoulder, questionable); Robert Covington (lower-back contusion, out)
Pelicans (13-13)
55 E'Twaun Moore G 6-4 12.4 ppg 2.0 apg.
23 Anthony Davis PF 6-10 24.9 ppg. 10.7 rpg.
0 DeMarcus Cousins C 6-11 26.3 ppg. 12.6 rpg.
11 Jrue Holiday G 6-4 16.6 ppg. 5.5 apg.
9 Rajon Rondo G 6-1 7.0 ppg. 7.3 apg.
Coach: Alvin Gentry (17th season, 412-483)
Injury report: Alexis Ajinca (right knee injury, out), Solomon Hill (left hamstring tear, out) and Frank Jackson (right foot fracture, out).
Head to head
Pelicans hold a 17-15 series advantage.
Coming games
Tuesday: 9:30 p.m., at Target Center, Sixers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Oklahoma City Thunder at Sixers
Dec. 18: 8 p.m., at United Center, Sixers at Chicago Bulls
Dec. 19: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Sacramento Kings at Sixers
Dec. 21: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Toronto Raptors at Sixers