76ers Edge Kings, Look to Extend Win Streak Against Pelicans

Philadelphia overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Sacramento, setting up a matchup with the surging New Orleans Pelicans.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the struggling Sacramento Kings 113-111 on Thursday, rallying from an 11-point deficit in the final 7 1/2 minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points, including a last-second game-winning layup, while Joel Embiid added 37 points. The win gave the Sixers consecutive home victories for the first time since December. Philadelphia now hosts the New Orleans Pelicans, who have won three of their last four games after interim head coach James Borrego changed the starting lineup to feature a bigger, more physical frontcourt.

Why it matters

The 76ers' close win over the Kings, despite needing big games from Maxey and Embiid, suggests the team may be starting to find its footing after an inconsistent stretch. Meanwhile, the Pelicans' recent success under Borrego's lineup changes has them trending in the right direction as they visit Philadelphia.

The details

In the win over the Kings, the 76ers needed 40 points from Tyrese Maxey, including a last-second game-winning layup, and 37 points from Joel Embiid to overcome an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit. Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the team "got lucky" but said it was still an important victory. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have won three of their last four games since interim coach James Borrego inserted forward Saddiq Bey into the starting lineup in place of rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears. This has given New Orleans a bigger, more physical starting frontcourt that has improved the team's defense.

  • The 76ers' win over the Kings came on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • The 76ers and Pelicans will face off on Saturday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

A 76ers guard who scored 40 points, including the game-winning layup, in the team's narrow victory over the Kings.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center who scored 37 points in the win over Sacramento.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Saddiq Bey

A Pelicans forward who was inserted into the starting lineup, helping New Orleans win three of their last four games.

Jeremiah Fears

A rookie point guard for the Pelicans who has come off the bench since the lineup change.

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What they’re saying

“We got lucky. But it's a line drive in the box score. It's a win and we'll take it.”

— Nick Nurse, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

“Sometimes in the fourth quarter you buckle down, you get stops and you win the game. That's really an improvement for us honestly. There have been times when we just let those games slip out of our hands and we lost.”

— Tyrese Maxey

“Ultimately to win in this league you have to defend. In order to defend you have to have size, physicality or elite rim protection. We're working on the rim protection, but that first group is bigger and it's being physical.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.