Joel Embiid shines in return as 76ers maul Bulls

Embiid scores 35 points in first game back from injury as Philadelphia cruises to 157-137 victory

Mar. 26, 2026 at 7:25am

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Joel Embiid scored 35 points and Paul George added 28 in their returns to the lineup as the Philadelphia 76ers rolled past the visiting Chicago Bulls 157-137 on Wednesday night. Philadelphia welcomed back Embiid, who had missed the previous 13 games, and George, who had sat out the last 25 contests. The Sixers posted the eighth-highest point total in team history and won for the fifth time in their last seven games.

Why it matters

The 76ers' dominant win over the struggling Bulls showcases the team's offensive firepower when their star players are healthy and in the lineup. Embiid's return from injury and George's return from suspension provide a major boost as Philadelphia looks to solidify its playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The 76ers led by double figures throughout the second quarter and then outscored the Bulls 51-32 in a dominant third quarter, shooting 19-of-22 from the field. Embiid led the way with 12 points in the third frame before sitting out the fourth quarter. Philadelphia's 22 3-pointers in the game were a team record.

  • The 76ers (40-33) welcomed back Embiid (oblique), who had missed the previous 13 games, and George (suspension), who had sat out the last 25 contests.
  • The Bulls (29-43) gave up 51 third-quarter points - their most ever allowed in a quarter and the most the Sixers had scored in any quarter since the 1960s.

The players

Joel Embiid

A star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 35 points in his return from a 13-game absence due to an oblique injury.

Paul George

A veteran forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 28 points in his return from a 25-game suspension.

Josh Giddey

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who led his team with 23 points and 12 assists in the loss.

Matas Buzelis

A forward for the Chicago Bulls who contributed 18 points in the losing effort.

VJ Edgecombe

A player for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 22 points, including 11 in the first quarter.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The 76ers' dominant performance showcases their offensive firepower when their star players are healthy, providing a boost as the team looks to solidify its playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.