Overview
- Philadelphia opened its five-game post-Christmas trip with a late-game defeat in Chicago, where Jalen Smith keyed the Bulls’ closing run, and the 76ers fell to 0-4 in games featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George together.
- Embiid scored 31 on efficient shooting but his limited lateral movement strained the defense, leading coach Nick Nurse to adjust matchups to reduce screen exposure.
- The Sixers are managing injuries and illness with Embiid monitored game to game as the trip shifts to Oklahoma City on Sunday, then Memphis, Dallas and a Jan. 3 rematch at New York.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from an eight-game calf absence with 29 points in 25 minutes in Milwaukee’s 112-103 win at Chicago, with Doc Rivers emphasizing a controlled minutes load.
- Boston extended its surge without Jayson Tatum by hitting 20 threes in a 140-122 win over Indiana, while the Lakers expect Austin Reaves to miss roughly four weeks with a Grade 2 calf strain.