Embiid, George return to the lineup and lead Philadelphia 76ers past
Chicago Bulls
[March 26, 2026]
By AARON BRACY
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid scored 35 points in his
return to the lineup from injury, Paul George had 28 points in his first
game since serving a 25-game suspension, and the Philadelphia 76ers
rolled to a 157-137 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. |
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, right, blocks a shot by Chicago Bulls'
Guerschon Yabusele during the first half of an NBA basketball game
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) |
|
Josh Giddey scored 23 points to lead the Bulls.
Embiid missed 13 games with a strained right oblique but showed
no signs of rust. The 2023 MVP made 6 of 9 shots in the first
period, including all three of his 3-point tries. He had 23
points in the first half to help Philadelphia take a 71-52
halftime lead.
George was not as sharp early but settled in after halftime.
Playing for the first time since Jan. 29 due to a violation of
the NBA's drug policy, he missed 8 of 10 field goals in the
opening half and had five points, but scored 23 points in the
second half.
George was cheered throughout the night, especially after
converting on three consecutive possessions early in the fourth
quarter. Philadelphia was 13-12 without George, who signed a
four-year, $212 million deal with the 76ers before the 2024
season but has been sidelined frequently by injury and
suspension. George finished 11 of 22 from the field and 6 of 13
from long range.
Philadelphia still was without All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who missed
his 10th straight game due to a right finger tendon strain.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow strain) also was sidelined for the
eighth consecutive contest. Oubre has been cleared to return to
on-court activities and participated in Wednesday morning's
shootaround, a team spokesperson said before the game.
VJ Edgecome added 22 points for the 76ers.
Up next
Bulls: At Oklahoma City on Friday night.
76ers: At Charlotte on Saturday night.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
|
