The Philadelphia 76ers will hope to ride the momentum of Joel Embiid’s 50-point performance into their game against the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Embiid, who missed the previous two games due to illness, racked up the sixth 50-point game of his career despite not feeling 100 percent in a 131-126 road win against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Having the reigning NBA MVP available is always a huge advantage for the Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey returned from a one-game absence to score 26 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 12 in his first game since sustaining a broken rib and other undisclosed injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Nov. 11.
It was Embiid who provided clutch baskets in the final two minutes to will the Sixers to a victory.
The Hawks dropped their second straight game and fourth in five outings with a 114-113 setback to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
Trae Young led the way with 30 points and nine assists, Saddiq Bey scored 21 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20.
The Hawks had a chance to win before Mikal Bridges knocked down a step-back jumper with 4.5 seconds remaining.
Young pleaded with the referees for a foul on the last shot but nothing was whistled.
The Hawks’ largest lead was seven in the see-saw game. The challenge won’t get any easier when they travel to Philadelphia.
De’Andre Hunter contributed 14 points and Clint Capela was active on the boards with 12 rebounds.
