Joel Embiid and Paul George return to winning ways after extended absences.
Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls after missing 13 consecutive games due to a right oblique strain. He was joined by Paul George, who the team welcomed back after a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
The duo each showed little rust in a 157-137 home victory. Embiid scored 35 points (12-17 FGs, 8-9 FTs), adding six rebounds and seven assists; George posted 28 points (11-22 FGs, 6-13 3PM), six rebounds four assists and four steals.
Embiid has been limited to just 33 games this season due to injuries. The latest injury for the 2023 MVP occurred during a 124-117 win over the Miami Heat on Feb. 26.
Philadelphia entered the contest with a 39-33 record and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, which would mean having to play in the NBA’s play-in tournament. The 76ers are 1 1/2 games back of fifth-place Toronto.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.