New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for shorthanded win over the 76ers

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Grades for the small forwards

Brandon Ingram made his return from injury and notched 17 points but it took him 21 shots to get it. It will probably take him a few games to knock off the rust, and he really struggled shooting the ball.

What I liked about this game was that Ingram did grab eight rebounds, which was good to see. All season I’ve been talking about how Ingram needs to find ways to contribute other than scoring, and he can do it with playmaking and rebounds.

But the Pels will need him to do more down the stretch if they want to have any chance of clawing their way into the playoffs.

The New Orleans Pelicans used a wonky starting lineup with no shooting guards and two wings, one of which was Naji Marshall. Marshall’s numbers won’t jump out at you, but he had a nice game and gave the Pels a boost of energy and defense that they’ve long needed.

He only scored one point but he made some plays to set up teammates, grabbed some boards and made a few hustle plays.

Marshall is trying to make a case for himself for next season and may have a shot at the Josh Hart role of energy defender off the bench if the Pels decide to move on from Hart in the offseason.

James Johnson has been great for the Pelicans since the J.J. Redick trade and looks like a guy they should definitely sign in the offseason.

He has added an element of toughness and defense that the Pels desperately needed, has defended all over the floor and has even been better than his averages from behind the arc.

Johnson added another three steals and a block against the 76ers and was a big part of the bench unit that but the lead in the 3rd quarter.