Tyrese Maxey steps in for the suspended Ben Simmons, and I think that's actually a plus for Philly right now. Coach Doc Rivers said his team's chemistry is "phenomenal." The Pelicans, on the other hand, are fitting in several new pieces under first-year coach Willie Green and will be missing Zion Williamson. Lay the points.

There is plenty going on around these teams. Ben Simmons was suspended for one game Tuesday after reportedly refusing to participate in a defensive drill at practice. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are going to be without Zion Williamson (foot) for an extended period of time. The Pelicans don’t exactly have a ton of depth and have question marks at both guard spots with Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe no longer in the picture. The Sixers still have Joel Embiid to lead the way, giving them a favorable opportunity to cover.

The New Orleans Pelicans just announced that superstar Zion Williamson will not even be re-evaluated for two weeks off foot surgery, so he's obviously not playing in the season opener Wednesday -- the original hope was that Zion would be ready. So, let's hit this spread now in case it rises a few points and with Ben Simmons now back with Philadelphia. New Orleans has a new head coach and several new players and probably struggles early without Zion. Presuming Simmons doesn't change his mind again, Philly is back intact. The Sixers are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games as road favorites.