Sixers top Bulls 157-137

Joel Embiid made an emphatic return from injury, scoring 35 points to lead the 76ers to a dominant 157-137 win over the Bulls on Wednesday night.

Back after missing 13 games with a strained right oblique, Embiid showed no signs of rust. The 2023 MVP came out firing, knocking down 6 of 9 shots in the opening quarter — including all three of his attempts from deep — and poured in 23 first-half points to help Philadelphia build a commanding 71-52 halftime lead.

Paul George also made his return, finishing with 28 points in his first game since serving a 25-game suspension. George struggled early, hitting just 2 of 10 shots and scoring five points in the first half, but found his rhythm after the break. He erupted for 23 points in the second half, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd — especially after scoring on three straight possessions early in the fourth quarter. He finished 11-of-22 from the field and 6-of-13 from beyond the arc.

VJ Edgecombe added 22 points for Philadelphia, which overwhelmed Chicago with its offensive firepower despite missing key contributors.

The Bulls were led by Josh Giddey, who scored 23 points in the loss.

Philadelphia remained without Tyrese Maxey, who missed his 10th straight game with a right finger tendon strain, and Kelly Oubre Jr., sidelined for an eighth consecutive contest due to a left elbow strain. Oubre, however, has been cleared for on-court activities and participated in shootaround earlier in the day.

The 76ers controlled the game throughout, using their explosive first half to set the tone and never allowing the Bulls to seriously threaten down the stretch.

Up next: The Bulls visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the 76ers head to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.