Tyrese Maxey led the way in a big win for the shorthanded 76ers over the Heat. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

76ers beat first-place Heat without Joel Embiid, James Harden

By Adam Stites | Last updated 3/21/22

The Philadelphia 76ers were without James Harden and Joel Embiid for a crucial game against the Miami Heat on Monday, but found a way to get a 113-106 win anyway.

Embiid is a favorite to win the 2022 NBA MVP Award, but he was ruled out of the game due to back soreness. Harden, who was acquired by Philadelphia in a February trade, was rested.

With the two stars out of action, Tyrese Maxey stepped up for the 76ers with a game-high 28 points, five rebounds and four assists.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! pic.twitter.com/PccnZcsk9s
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 22, 2022

Philadelphia also got quality play off the bench from Shake Milton, who scored 20 points with six assists and five rebounds.

The Heat are still at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a 47-25 record. The 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks aren't far behind with matching 44-27 records, but are running out of time to run down Miami. Philadelphia has 11 games left on its regular season schedule, while Miami has 10.

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