Despite a spirited fourth quarter comeback, which saw VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes lead the Sixers to a 20-2 run to get them back in the game, Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 on Thursday night to drop the Sixers to 43-37 on the season, a serious blow to the Sixers’ hopes to avoid the play-in tournament.

Playing without Joel Embiid, who had an appendectomy earlier today, the Sixers were led by VJ Edgecombe (21 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists), Tyrese Maxey (23 points, 5 assists), and Quentin Grimes (20 points off the bench) in a losing effort.

The Rockets, who led by as many as 28 points before the Sixers’ furious fourth quarter comeback, got 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists from Kevin Durant, with Jabari Smith Jr (19 points), Amen Thompson (19) and Tari Eason (15) chipping in as well.

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Joel Embiid was diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery in Houston on Thursday. The PHLY Sixers podcast discusses the ramifications for the team and what comes next.

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Devon Givens sits down with members from the All Star Labor Classic–A charitable basketball game that benefits both a local charity and Philadelphia high school seniors sponsored by Philadelphia Organized Labor.

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The Sixers have had all their stars healthy and still can’t get going. Does anyone believe Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Nick Nurse can go on a run this year? PHLY Sixers podcast discusses state of the team & if Daryl Morey gave the roster enough help to go on a run.

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Despite MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama leaving the game late in the first half with a rib injury, the Philadelphia 76ers fell to the San Antonio Spurs 115-102 in a crucial loss that could get in the way of the Sixers’ push for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Spurs were led by a balanced attack which included 19 points from Steph Castle, 17 from Victor Wembanyama (all in the first half), and 17 from Dylan Harper off the bench. The Spurs shot 11-32 from 3-point range and committed just nine turnovers on the night.

Joel Embiid had 34 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort, but the Sixers were let down by Paul George, who had just five points after the first quarter, and Tyrese Maxey, who finished with just 15 points on 6-16 shooting from the field.

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Joel Embiid points to Daryl Morey when asked why he didn't play basketball Wednesday night against the Wizards. The PHLY Sixers crew shares their thoughts.

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The Detroit Pistons, who improved to 8-2 since star guard Cade Cunningham went down with an injury, used a 15-4 run to take a commanding lead at the half, then blew the game wide open in the third on their way to an easy 116-93 win in Philadelphia.

The Pistons dominated the possession battle against the Sixers, with Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren combining for seven offensive rebounds. Seven players scored in double figures for the Pistons, led by former Sixer Tobias Harris, who finished with 19 points on 7-13 shooting. With the win the Pistons clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Paul George continued his strong play, with 20 points on 7-14 shooting to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Tyrese Maxey added 23 and VJ Edgecombe 19 in a losing effort. As is customary, Joel Embiid did not play in the back-to-back.

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After trailing by six at the half, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers turned it up in the third quarter with a 42-point frame to take a double-digit lead, never letting up for an eventual 115-103 win over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. George continued his inspired play with another fantastic all-around game, finishing with a game-high 23 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists. Maxey, Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes all scored in double figures for the Sixers. With the win, Philadelphia remains in the 6th seed of the East standings. The 76ers, who held Anthony Edwards to just eight points, will host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.

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