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Sixers-Pelicans: Trying to overcome New Orleans' twin towers

Sixers small forward Robert Covington is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.

New Orleans’ center DeMarcus Cousins (pictured) and power forward Anthony Davis will pose a challenge for the Sixers Sunday night.
New Orleans’ center DeMarcus Cousins (pictured) and power forward Anthony Davis will pose a challenge for the Sixers Sunday night.Read moreGerald Herbert / AP Photo

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

  1. TV and streaming:  NBC Sports Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. 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