The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 127-116, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.

The Sixers got out to a good start with a quick 10-point lead, but the Pelicans charged back to take a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The hosts kept the momentum going in the second and tallied to a 17-point advantage, before the 76ers cut it back to a seven-point game heading into halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Pelicans maintained the upper hand and took an eight-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their fifth straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the 76ers.

CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 42 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 36 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Wily Hernangomez added 13 points and four rebounds. The Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from long range.

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 37 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. James Harden followed up with 20 points and 10 assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Sixers shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from deep.

The 76ers (20-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Pelicans (23-12) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday.