CJ McCollum scored 38 points as the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans opened a three-game road trip with a 123-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

The Pelicans took an 87-78 lead into the fourth quarter when Alvarado drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer. They stretched the lead to 94-83 on an Alvarado assist to Daniel Theis, who finished the play with a slam. Hawkins’ 4-point play with 6:49 left boosted the Pelicans lead to 105-92.

The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday looking to pick up another win over another struggling opponent. The Pelicans entered the night with a 7-31 record and had just suspended Zion Williamson about two hours before the 7 p.