Joel Embiid Scores 40 as 76ers Win Following Paul George 25 Game Suspension

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia steadied itself during a turbulent day Saturday night as Joel Embiid recorded 40 points and 11 rebounds to lead the 76ers to a 124 to 114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, hours after the NBA suspended Paul George for 25 games for violating the leagues anti drug policy.

The league did not disclose the substance involved in the violation. George released a statement to ESPN acknowledging he took something he described as improper. His absence immediately altered Philadelphias short term timeline and postseason outlook, placing increased responsibility on Embiid and the remaining core as the season progresses.

Despite facing a Pelicans team that entered the night with 13 wins, the 76ers were unable to fully separate until the closing minutes. Tyrese Maxey scored 18 points and connected on a key three pointer that gave Philadelphia a 117 to 111 lead. Embiid followed with a three of his own, and rookie VJ Edgecombe added another from deep as the Sixers extended the margin to 123 to 113 and secured control late.

Embiid reached the 40 point mark at the free throw line with 11.3 seconds remaining, drawing loud MVP chants from the home crowd. He carried the offense throughout, anchoring the paint while also spacing the floor as Philadelphia finished with 17 made three pointers. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 points as the Sixers leaned on perimeter shooting to offset Georges absence.

New Orleans was led by Saddiq Bey, who scored 34 points, while Zion Williamson finished with 11. The Pelicans remained within reach for much of the second half but were unable to match Philadelphia’s late shot making or defensive execution during the final possessions.

The win came on a night when the franchise also marked the 25th anniversary of its 2001 Eastern Conference championship run.

Allen Iverson was in attendance along with former team president Pat Croce and former general manager Billy King as the organization reflected on its most recent NBA Finals appearance, a five game loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Philadelphia has not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs since that season, a historical context that now looms larger amid Georges suspension.

What this means moving forward is a significant shift in roster usage and rotation planning. With George sidelined for an extended stretch, Philadelphia will rely heavily on Embiid’s availability and Maxey’s continued development while evaluating lineup flexibility ahead of the postseason race.

Next steps see the Pelicans traveling to Charlotte on Monday night, while the 76ers head west to face the Los Angeles Clippers as they begin navigating a critical portion of their schedule without one of their primary contributors.