The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.

A rollercoaster first half saw the 76ers (20-7) take a commanding 39-25 lead through the first 12 minutes, only to see the Pelicans (6-20) slice nine points from that deficit heading into the halftime with a strong second quarter. The competitive play continued throughout the second half, with Philadelphia ultimately having to hold off a New Orleans comeback attempt in the fourth quarter that saw them get as close as 112-109 with 17 seconds left before Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris iced the win with a pair of free throws apiece.

Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 32 points and added six rebounds. J.J. Redick followed with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday generated a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and one block. Josh Hart supplied 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Derrick Favors had eight points and eight rebounds over 15 minutes in his return to action.

Harris paced the 76ers with 31 points and also registered five rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons turned in 24 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Embiid posted 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Ennis managed 10 points.

The Pelicans head back home and take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.