76ers 96, Pelicans 81: Michael Carter-Williams scored 22 points and Nerlens Noel collected 17 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks to lead the way as host Philadelphia knocked off New Orleans.

Robert Covington scored 18 points for the 76ers, who won despite being without leading scorer Tony Wroten (knee) for the second straight game. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added 13 points as Philadelphia snapped a three-game skid against New Orleans.

Alexis Ajinca recorded a season-best 16 points and a career-high 14 rebounds off the bench and Eric Gordon scored 16 for the Pelicans, who were without star forward Anthony Davis (toe) and point guard Jrue Holiday (ankle). Jimmer Fredette added 13 points in a reserve role and Omer Asik grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Sixers blitzed New Orleans from the opening tip, racing to a 22-6 lead midway through the first quarter and leading from wire-to-wire. The Pelicans pulled within one in the second quarter and trailed 50-47 at the break after Asik's put-back at the buzzer.

The Pelicans managed only four field goals while being outscored 23-12 in the third quarter, and Noel's put-back capped a 14-0 run that stretched the lead to 66-51 with 5:01 left in the period. It was a 14-point spread entering the fourth and New Orleans never got closer than 13 in the final period.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The 76ers entered the game averaging 18.8 turnovers but committed only 10 and outscored the Pelicans 20-5 in points off turnovers. … Noel matched his career high for blocks and came up two points and one rebound shy of his career-best figures. … New Orleans was 4-of-17 from 3-point range and 19-of-29 from the foul line.