Sixers-Pelicans Game Thread & Preview

After the incredible excitement of the NBA trade deadline, the Sixers get back to playing tonight, as Anthony Davis and the Pelicans host the Sixers and all of their shiny new players.

All jokes aside, the game actually starts on a somber note, with the passing of ex-Pelicans' coach Monty Williams' wife, Ingrid, still fresh in people's minds. Brett Brown and Jerry Colangelo both went to her funeral in advance of the fixture. Williams delivered an absolutely heart wrenching, powerful eulogy for his wife. You should take 7 minutes to give it a lesson if interested.

As far as the game is concerned, both the Pelicans and the Sixers added minor pieces at the deadline. The Sixers, of course, added Joel Anthony, who is expected to be waived as soon as the trade is cleared by the league office, and who will likely not see any court time tonight. The bigger impact that it will have on the roster is the waiving of JaKarr Sampson, who will not be with the team tonight. While the Sixers do hope to pick Sampson back up following his clearing of waivers, his toothy grin will be missed on the bench tonight.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, held on to Jake's favorite stretch 4, and acquired Jarnell Stokes from the Heat yesterday. It's probably too soon for him to play, but Levin can cry about missing out on Stokes before he washes out of the league.

I'm excited to get back to watching the team. Anthony Davis is a great test for both Okafor and Noel, and it will be fun seeing them try to contend with one of the league's rising superstar's.