Eastern Conference Recaps, March 6: Joel Embiid’s Big Game Gives The 76ers A Victory Against Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers’ chances of making the play-in tournament are slowly closing.

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated them 147-143 but it was a game which featured little defense. The first three quarters were held close but the 76ers outscored the Pacers 10-0 in the fourth quarter to take control.

“It was an offensive game,” 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said. “But at the same time someone had to make a defensive stand and we did that enough to win the game.”

Joel Embiid led the way with 42 points and Tyrese Maxey had 24. James Harden had 14 points and 20 assists, the most assists since Dec. 23.

Tyrese Haliburton had 40 points and a season-high 16 assists.

NEXT 76ERS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 6 in Philadelphia

OTHER NOTES:

-The Boston Celtics are now 3-4 after the All-Star break. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated them 118-114, their second straight overtime loss. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 40 points and 11 rebounds. With Jayson Tatum sidelined with a knee injury, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points and 13 rebounds.

NEXT CAVALIERS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 8 at Miami

-In just three quarters, Damian Lillard had his second triple-double. He recorded 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in the Portland Trail Blazers 110-104 victory against the Detroit Pistons. Jerami Grant had 26 points and Cam Reddish had 13.

Isaiah Livers led the Pistons with 17 points and Cory Joseph had 14 off the bench.

NEXT PISTONS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 19 in Detroit

-Jamal Murray’s 24 points led the Denver Nuggets to a 118-113 victory against the Toronto Raptors. Michael Porter had 20 points and Nikola Jokic had 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 21 points and 14 assists.

NEXT RAPTORS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 28 in Toronto

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.