Even without Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers have proven resilient at home.
James Harden led with 26 points and eight assists, Montrez Harrell added 19 points and four blocked shots, and Embiid sat out with a sore left foot.
The Sixers will be looking for a 4-game winning streak and 12-game winning streak at home when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
“I’m a blessed man. I still play basketball here,” said Harrell, who shot eight of nine shots from the field. So it’s a blessing to be here and to be able to play this game and call it my job.
“There have been many ups and downs throughout the season, but I am ready to kill and make sure I take my job.”
The Sixers are 15-1 in their last 16 home games, dating back to November 7th.
Their depth has allowed them to overcome major injuries to Harden and Tyrese Maxie.
Seven players scored in double figures against the Pacers, a season-high. That depth would be welcomed by Harrell if Embiid can’t play against the Bulls.
“It’s huge. It’s huge. With Joel out, Montrez was playing well on both ends of the ball,” Harden said. I think it was something.Doc (Rivers) put him in for PJ (Tucker).He ended the match very well.Just a true veteran.”
The Bulls arrive in Philadelphia following an impressive 121-112 victory that broke the Brooklyn Nets’ 12-game winning streak.
Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan each scored 22 points, while Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 13 rebounds. He was the sixth player to score in double figures.
“It’s great to come here after two tough losses and beat one of the hottest teams in the NBA,” Chicago’s Zach LaVine said. In the end, we endured their run and beat them together.”
Playing without Javonte Green (right knee), the Bulls lost Alex Caruso to a right ankle sprain late in the first quarter. Both were listed as questionable for Friday’s game.
The Bulls scored a season-high points total from Williams, who defensively chased Kevin Durant all night.
“Patrick is eager to get better,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said. “Being around him, he’s looking for ways to improve. We have to play on both ends of the floor, or at least make it difficult for him and trying to be offensively offensive is playing on both ends of the floor. ”
Williams set the tone early with 12 points.
Ultimately, the Bulls got their much-needed victory after losing streak to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“That’s why I’m here. To stand up to the best and test myself against the best,” Williams said.
–Field level media
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