Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid returned to the court Tuesday in Indianapolis after missing games since February 7 with knee and shin problems. The reigning MVP logged 27 points, six rebounds and five assists in just 26 minutes, helping Philadelphia defeat the Indiana Pacers 135-114.
“He just takes so much pressure off us offensively,” guard Tyrese Maxey said, noting that defenses must focus on Embiid, which opens space for teammates.
The club had listed Embiid’s absence as “shin soreness,” but the 30-year-old clarified Tuesday that he was managing a stress reaction in his right leg and initially struggled to walk. Embiid said he will treat the issue the same way he handled his surgically repaired knee earlier in the season, with the team monitoring his workload.
First-Round Pick Key in McCain Deal
Analyst Yossi Gozlan (The Third Apron) notes that trading rookie guard Jared McCain at the deadline was not solely a luxury-tax move for Philadelphia. The 76ers obtained Houston’s 2026 first-round pick from Oklahoma City, a selection expected to hold real value in what is projected to be a deep draft, even if it lands in the early- or mid-20s.
Nets Eye Competitiveness Ahead of 2026-27
With the NBA exploring additional anti-tanking measures, Brian Lewis of The New York Post reports that the Brooklyn Nets were already planning to shift from rebuilding to fielding a competitive roster by the 2026-27 season, when they will not control their own first-round pick. According to Lewis, potential rule changes are unlikely to alter Brooklyn’s approach to the 2026 offseason.
Pritchard Producing More Minutes as Reserve
Despite an 8-point night on 2-of-13 shooting against Phoenix on Tuesday, Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is averaging 21.6 points and 6.1 assists over eight games since moving to the second unit, shooting .504/.429/.900 during that span. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said the 28-year-old “will impact winning in any role.” Pritchard’s playing time has actually climbed from 32.6 minutes per game as a starter to 34.3 off the bench.
Source: Hoops Rumors
