By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:45 GMT, 25 February 2026 | Updated: 02:45 GMT, 25 February 2026
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Joel Embiid had 27 points in his return to the lineup after missing five games with right shin soreness and right knee injury management, Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Indiana Pacers 135-114 on Tuesday night.
Embiid scored 20 points in the first half, sinking 11 of 17 shots in 26 minutes. VJ Edgecombe chipped in with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting for the 76ers, who shot 58%.
Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter each scored 23 for the Pacers, with Potter's total a career high. Quenton Jackson had 15 points and rookie Kam Jones added a career-high 13 points.
Pacers leading scorer Pascal Siakam was out with a left wrist sprain. The Pacers also were without Aaron Nesmith, who missed his third consecutive game with right ankle sprain.
Indiana shot 42% from the field and committed 16 turnovers. Philadelphia held a 44-41 rebounding edge with Maxey leading the way with nine rebounds. Jarace Walker had 10 rebounds for the Pacers.
The 76ers showed their dominance inside with a 82-52 edge in points in the paint.
Philadelphia center Joel Embiid (21) looks to move around Indiana guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
The Pacers led 38-30 after the first quarter, but the 76ers answered with a 17-0 spurt to open the second quarter and take a 47-38 lead. Philadelphia shot 64% to take a 75-65 lead at halftime.
Maxey scored 13 points in the third quarter as the 76ers took complete control, expanding the lead to 106-85 after three quarters.
Philadelphia led by 28 points in the fourth quarter before emptying the bench.
76ers: Host Miami on Thursday night.
Pacers: Host Charlotte on Thursday night.
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Philadelphia guard Quentin Grimes, right, is fouled by Indiana center Micah Potter during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey (0)shoots between Indiana Pacers defenders Ben Sheppard (26) and Quenton Jackson (29) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indiana center Jay Huff, left, shoots over Philadelphia forward Dominick Barlow during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Philadelphia guard VJ Edgecombe (77) shoots over Indiana guard Kobe Brown (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)