The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 124-114, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

The Pelicans (10-9) got CJ McCollum back on the floor Wednesday night and his presence seemed to provide a spark right out of the gate. New Orleans played dominant ball on both ends of the floor during the first half, leading to a 68-48 advantage by intermission. The 76ers (12-6), which were playing without Joel Embiid (illness), fell behind by an additional point in the third, and they never came close to truly threatening over the final 12 minutes.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and two steals. De'Anthony Melton furnished 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Robert Covington and Tobias Harris posted 12 points apiece while recording seven and four rebounds, respectively. Patrick Beverley delivered 11 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal.

Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 33 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. McCollum registered 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Jonas Valanciunas managed 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jordan Hawkins contributed 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Brandon Ingram finished with 15 points, six assists, four boards, one steal and one block.

The 76ers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night as well.