Game Recap: 76ers Vs Pacers — 76ers vs pacers 135-114 (Feb 24, 2026)
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Indiana Pacers 135-114 in Indianapolis on Feb. 24, 2026, in a game that marked Joel Embiid's return to the lineup. 76ers vs pacers framed a night in which Embiid logged 26 minutes and the visitors dominated inside and on the scoreboard.
Embiid's return and minutes
Joel Embiid had 27 points in his return after missing five games with right shin soreness and right knee injury management. Embiid played 26 minutes, scoring 20 points in the first half and finishing 11 of 17 from the floor. In the game he also had six rebounds and five assists, went 1-for-4 from deep and 4-for-5 from the foul line. He had not played since Feb. 7 against the Phoenix Suns on the team's West Coast road trip.
76ers Vs Pacers scoring breakdown
Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points and led the 76ers with nine rebounds. VJ Edgecombe added 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting as Philadelphia shot 58% for the game. The 76ers piled up 82 points in the paint to Indiana's 52 and led the rebounding battle 44-41. Maxey scored 13 points in the third quarter as Philadelphia expanded a halftime lead into a commanding margin.
Pacers contributors and milestones
Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter each scored 23 points for the Pacers, with Potter's total a career high. Quenton Jackson had 15 points, and rookie Kam Jones added a career-high 13 points. Jarace Walker finished with 10 rebounds for Indiana.
Injuries and absences for Indiana
Pacers leading scorer Pascal Siakam was out with a left wrist sprain. The Pacers also were without Aaron Nesmith, who missed his third consecutive game with a right ankle sprain. Those absences coincided with Indiana shooting 42% from the field and committing 16 turnovers.
Turning points and momentum swings
Indiana led 38-30 after the first quarter, but Philadelphia answered with a 17-0 spurt to open the second quarter and take a 47-38 lead. The 76ers shot 64% in that stretch and took a 75-65 lead at halftime. Maxey's 13 points in the third helped Philadelphia take complete control, pushing the score to 106-85 after three quarters. The 76ers led by as many as 28 points in the fourth before emptying the bench.
Coach reaction and next steps
Coach Nick Nurse evaluated Embiid's appearance after the game and said, "I think it was a good opportunity for him to get out there and get some minutes under his belt. Obviously, good to see the rhythm and touch offensively. I think, again, there's some, probably a little bit of conditioning and stuff lost there. So, it's good to probably get a good amount of minutes for him to play tonight, but good to see him back out there for sure. "
One writer noted, "No disrespect to Jay Huff and Micah Potter, but they are just no match for the big fella who made it look rather easy in his opportunities. " With now just 23 games to go, Philadelphia will return home to play host to the Miami Heat in a hugely important matchup. Indiana will host Charlotte on Thursday night.
The 76ers' interior dominance, Embiid's efficient return and Maxey's scoring were decisive in the 135-114 final in Indianapolis.
