The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 120-111, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.

The 76ers (22-14) checked into the game riding a wave of good news that Joel Embiid would suit up despite dealing with some lower-back tightness, and that seemed to propel Philadelphia to a quick start. The Sixers owned a 33-25 lead through one, but the Pelicans (23-14) were able to shave three points from their deficit prior to halftime. New Orleans chipped away another two points ahead of the final period, and although they got within one at one point, Philly's 28-20 game-ending run clinched the win.

CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson co-led the Pelicans with 26 points while recording seven and six assists, respectively. Williamson also pulled down six boards. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Naji Marshall and Jaxson Hayes produced matching 10-point contributions that included five and two rebounds, respectively.

Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Harden furnished 27 points, eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Georges Niang delivered 15 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Tyrese Maxey registered 12 points, two assists and one rebound. De'Anthony Melton managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

The Pelicans return home and host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, while the 76ers host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night as well.