The Philadelphia 76ers open the NBA season on the road at the New Orleans Pelicans. The 76ers have been like watching a soap opera with all the drama to finish the season and the offseason. Ben Simmons demanded a trade, came back just before the season started, and now has been suspended for tonight's game. Joel Embiid is still the go-to guy in Philadelphia. He will not have to carry the whole load in the paint as they added Georges Niang and Andre Drummond to give him a break in the post.

The Pelicans have a young and talented roster Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. With Willamson, out to start the season, the younger guys will have a chance to establish themselves. Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kira Lewis Jr., and Trey Murphy III all had a nice summer league and now they will have a chance to show it at the NBA level.

Philadelphia might be better off with Simmons sitting this one out. Embiid is the best player on the floor and should not let the loss of Simmons bother him. The loss of Zion will hurt New Orleans to start the season as he is the Pelican's best player in scoring and rebounding. It may be too early in the season for the Pels youngsters to step it up here.

Play on Philadelphia on the money line.