Embiid’s huge game lifts 76ers over Bucks

Joel Embiid had 42 points, 14 rebounds and five assists and the Philadelphia 76ers regrouped after squandering a 15-point lead to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-120 on Thursday night.

Embiid put the 76ers ahead for good at 117-116 with a 10-footer with 2:32 left.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks.

Philadelphia played without James Harden, who hasn’t made his 76ers debut since coming over in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets last week. The 10-time All-star and 2018 MVP hasn’t played since Feb. 2 due to an injured left hamstring.

After trailing by 15 early in the third quarter, the Bucks clawed back and took their first lead since the second period on Jrue Holiday’s 3-pointer with 5:47 left. Antetokounmpo’s 3-pointer extended the advantage to 116112 with 3:56 remaining.

But the 76ers scored the next eight points to pull back ahead for good in the final game for both teams before the All-star break HEAT 111, HORNETS 107 » Kyle Lowry scored 12 of his 25 points after regulation and Miami entered the All-star break tied for the Eastern Conference lead, rallying to beat Charlotte in double overtime.

Duncan Robinson added 21 points for Miami, and Jimmy Butler overcame a horrendous shooting night to make clutch jumpers in the second overtime period to finish with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Miami has won six of its last seven games, tying the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the East at 38-21. MAVERICKS 125, PELICANS 118 » Luka Doncic had 49 points and 15 rebounds, and Dallas never trailed in grabbing a victory at New Orleans, its sixth victory in seven games. WIZARDS 117, NETS 103 » Rui Hachimura scored 20 points, Corey Kispert added 16 and Washington beat Brooklyn.

Ish Smith had 15 points, and Dani Avdija 13 to help the Wizards win their second straight.

Patty Mills scored 22 points, and Cam Thomas added 20 for the Nets, who have lost 12 of 14.