Joel Embiid returns from injury scare, scores 32 as 76ers beat Magic 125
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 32 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists after an apparent injury scare in the first half and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Orlando Magic 125-113 on Friday night in a critical game for Eastern Conference playoff seedings.
Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 21 as Philadelphia (46-36) won its seventh straight game.
Orlando, Indiana and Philadelphia each have a record of 46-35 after the Pacers lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 on Friday night and are in fifth, sixth and seventh places, respectively, in the conference.
Franz Wagner scored 24 points, Paolo Banchero had 22 and Jalen Suggs 20 for Orlando (46-35), which has lost three straight games.
“We just need one win and we’re good,” Wagner said. “One more game and we have to focus on that one and get a win.”
The Magic struggled in the first quarter, trailing 40-27 and facing an uphill fight the rest of the way. The Magic closed within six in the fourth, but could never get over the hump.