76ers beat Raptors in first game since trading Harden
Joel Embiid had 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists and the Philadelphia 76ers won in their first NBA game since trading James Harden, beating the Toronto Raptors 114-99.
Kelly Oubre and Tobias Harris each scored 23 points for the 76ers on Thursday night.
Oubre’s ascension to the starting line-up in place of PJ Tucker, who was included in the Harden deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, left the Sixers with a thin bench.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points. A night after snapping a three-game losing streak with a home victory over Milwaukee, the Raptors lost for the second time to former coach Nick Nurse and the 76ers this season.
In Salt Lake City, Paolo Banchero scored 30 points, making the deciding lay-up with 14 seconds left, as Orlando beat Utah 115-113.
Banchero added nine rebounds and five assists to help the Magic win for the third time in 15 games against Utah. Franz Wagner added 21 points, Cole Anthony had 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Australian Joe Ingles had four points and two rebounds in 24 minutes.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 22 points and seven rebounds.
In New Orleans CJ McCollum scored 33 points and short-handed New Orleans beat Detroit 125-116, with both teams playing for the second straight night.
Australia’s Dyson Daniels had a solid night for New Orleans, with 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
New Orleans played without starting power forward Zion Williamson (rest) and wing Brandon Ingram (right knee tendinitis).
Cade Cunningham had 22 points and 11 assists for Detroit.
And in Phoenix, Victor Wembanyama finished with 38 points and 10 rebounds to lead San Antonio over the Suns 132-121.
Devin Booker had a triple-double for Phoenix, with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists, but there was no way back for the home team after the Spurs dominated the first quarter 39-20.
