76ers fall with Embiid in protocol

Julius Randle scored 31 points, including eight in a row during a key fourthquarter stretch, to lead the New York Knicks to a 103-96 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.

Host Philadelphia was without four-time All-Star Joel Embiid and three others due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, which are for players who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone who’s tested positive.

ESPN, citing sources, reported earlier Monday that Embiid tested positive for COVID-19.

RJ Barrett added 15 points for the Knicks, who won their second in the past five. Randle also had 12 rebounds.

Andre Drummond started in place of Embiid, and had 14 points and 25 rebounds. Furkan Korkmaz added 19 points for Philadelphia, which had a sixgame win streak snapped.

BUCKS VISIT WHITE HOUSE

President Joe Biden welcomed the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks to the White House on Monday, praising team members not just for their achievements on the court, but also for their efforts to promote coronavirus vaccinations and for speaking out after the 2020 police shooting of Jacob Blake sparked protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The Bucks were the first NBA champions to visit the White House in nearly five years.

ELSEWHERE

Cavaliers: Starting

● guard Collin Sexton will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a knee injury on Sunday in a 126-109 win over the New York Knicks. The team said Sexton has a meniscus tear in his knee, which will require additional testing and evaluation.