JOEL Embiid powered Philadelphia 76ers to a 124-114 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The one-time NBA MVP delivered a dominant 40-point, 11-rebound performance just hours after the team learned Paul George had been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
Despite the off-court distraction and the absence of George, who admitted to have taken something “improper”, the Sixers leaned on Embiid to close out a game that remained tight deep into the fourth quarter.
Philadelphia finally pulled away from New Orleans in the final canto behind a late shooting burst, capped by three-pointers from Tyrese Maxey, Embiid, and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe.
Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 points for Philadelphia, Maxey finished with 18 points and knocked down a clutch triple that pushed the lead to six with under three minutes remaining.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets continued its surge after a 111-106 victory over San Antonio Spurs in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was the team’s sixth consecutive triumph.
Brandon Miller spearheaded the Hornets with 26 points, Collin Sexton added 21 points, including five three-pointers, and LaMelo Ball had 16 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
In other results, Chicago Bulls prevailed over Miami Heat, 125-118; Houston Rockets defeated Dallas Mavericks, 111-107; Minnesota Timberwolves clobbered Memphis Grizzlies, 131-114; and Indiana Pacers edged Atlanta Hawks, 129-124.
In a related league development, the Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacramento Kings completed a three-team trade just less than a week before the trade deadline.
In the deal, the Cavaliers acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, the Kings secured the services of DeAndre Hunter, while the Bulls notched Dario Saric and two future second round picks./PN
