JOEL Embiid had 41 points and 10 rebounds to lift the host Philadelphia Sixers over the Houston Rockets 124-115 on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).
Embiid had missed seven of the past nine games, including the past three, due to knee and ankle injuries. He returned to produce his 17th straight game with at least 30 points and his 16th in a row with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. In addition, Embiid reached the 40-point mark for the seventh time this season.
Tyrese Maxey added 27 points while Patrick Beverley scored 11 and Tobias Harris chipped in with 10 for the Sixers.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points and Alperen Sengun added 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Houston made a late push with all reserves playing, but the result had already been decided.
In other games it was the Grizzlies 116, Warriors 107; Mavs 125, Pelicans 120; Magic 98, Knicks 94; Pistons 129, Wizards 117; Hawks 109, Spurs 99; Cavs 109, Bulls 91; Heat 96, Nets 95 (OT); Celtics 105, Raptors 96; Jazz 132, Pacers 105; and Lakers 121, Thunder 105.
Grizzlies 116, Warriors 107
Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson went for career-high point totals, Stephen Curry committed two backcourt turnovers in a key fourth-quarter sequence and Memphis defeated visiting Golden State in Draymond Green’s return to the court.
Williams scored 24 points and Jackson had 23 off the bench for the Grizzlies, who scored 60 points on 3-pointers and 32 points on free throws. Memphis ended a two-game losing streak despite missing Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane, among others.
Curry had game highs of 26 points and eight assists for the Warriors, who welcomed back Green from a 16-game absence, the first 12 of which were the result of an NBA suspension. Coming off the bench, Green finished with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes.
