Embiid shines as Sixers beat Bucks without LeBron

Embiid leads Philadelphia to victory over Milwaukee

Joel Embiid produced a triple double to keep the Philadelphia 76ers undefeated with a 127-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

The star center recorded 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while hitting 12 of 14 shots from the free throw line. Jaylen Brown added 27 points on his 30th birthday, including a late 3 pointer off an Embiid pass that secured the triple double.

LeBron rests as Maxey steps up

LeBron James missed the game due to lower back pain management for the first of back to back fixtures this weekend. The 41 year old is expected to return on Sunday night against Detroit. Coach Nick Nurse said before the game that James had not expressed any pain or discomfort with his back.

Tyrese Maxey stepped up in his absence, scoring 26 points for Philadelphia. He hit a 46 foot shot to end the first quarter and added a fadeaway jumper at the end of the third quarter to give his team a 10 point advantage.

VJ Edgecombe added 17 points for the Sixers. Dean Wade started in place of James and scored seven points after missing the first two games with an ankle injury.

Bucks remain winless after late surge falls short

Jamie Jacquez Jr. scored 21 points to lead Milwaukee, while Kyle Kuzma finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Bucks dropped to 0-3 on the season after failing to complete a late comeback attempt.

For Philadelphia, backup big man Jabari Walker left the game in the third quarter after tweaking his left knee. Nurse said the injury will be evaluated. First round pick Labaron Philon Jr. also made his NBA debut during the victory.