Sixers drop fifth straight game in 112-99 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS — Karlo Matkovic had a season-high 19 points and eight assists, Antonio Reeves had five 3-pointers and 17 points as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-99 on Monday night.

Rookie Yves Missi finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, Kelly Olynyk added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Keion Brooks Jr. added 10 points for New Orleans, which shot 42.9% (15-for-35) from long range.

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Two-time All-Star Zion Williamson missed his third straight game for the Pelicans. He has been sidelined since hurting his back in a hard fall in a game against Minnesota on Wednesday. CJ McCollum, who scored 40 points in a loss to Detroit on Sunday, did not play.

Justin Edwards and Jared Butler scored 19 point apiece as the Sixers dropped its fifth straight and finished a six-game road trip 1-5. Jeff Dowtin Jr., Guerschon Yabusele, and Chuma Okeke each scored 12 points. Quentin Grimes, who scored 26 points in a loss to Atlanta on Sunday, rested.

New Orleans snapped a two-game skid, winning for the second time in seven games. The Sixers’ struggles continued without their big three of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, losing for the eighth time in nine games.

Philadelphia erased a nine-point halftime deficit with 6-for-8 shooting from three-point distance starting the third quarter. But the Pelicans closed out the third on a 16-2 run for a 15-point lead heading into the fourth.

The Pelicans shot 4-for-17 from three in the first half for a nine-point lead at the break. New Orleans made 8 of 11 shots from distance in the third and opened up a 15-point lead.

The Sixers opens a three-game homestand on Wednesday against Washington. New Orleans hosts Golden State on Friday.