Embiid & George return
Joel Embiid made a triumphant return from a right oblique strain, pouring in 35 points as the Sixers beat the Bulls, and Paul George returned from a 25‑game suspension to drop 28 in his first game back — two major veteran comebacks with immediate impact. Both returns change short‑term matchups in the Eastern Conference race. (espn.com)
Philadelphia closed the game 157-137, a 20-point victory over Chicago. (espn.com) Philadelphia poured in 51 points in the third quarter and held a season-high 47-point lead, finishing 55% from the field and 47% from three. (espn.com) Joel Embiid played 28 minutes and shot 12-of-17 from the floor (3-of-3 from deep), added 8 made free throws, seven assists and six rebounds after missing 13 games with a strained right oblique. (nba.com) Paul George finished 11-of-22 overall and 6-of-13 from long range, scoring 23 of his points after halftime after not playing since Jan. 29 because of an NBA anti-drug-policy violation. (cbssports.com) VJ Edgecombe supplied 22 points on 7-of-9 shooting with six rebounds and six assists, while Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 23 points. (libertyballers.com) The win improved Philadelphia to 40-33 overall and 21-17 at home while Chicago dropped to 29-43, with the Sixers next slated to visit Charlotte Saturday and the Bulls headed to Oklahoma City Friday. (espn.com)
