No matter what happens with the Sixers this season, fans should feel great about these two making up the starting backcourt for the foreseeable future.

Joel Embiid nails a huge three to put the Sixers up 124-117. Then immediately grabs his ribs while throwing up a three celebration. Gutty effort by the big fella.

Man, that's a big mistake by Adem Bona. That floater from Tyrese Maxey looked like it had a chance to go in. Instead, it's basket interference.

The Sixers' zone offense has been absolutely dreadful.

I know the Heat have missed threes in the second half, but it doesn't feel like it.

Tyrese Maxey gets called for a tech and I think he has a case. Was clearly fouled and then fell into the crowd. Ugly third quarter (evergreen), but the Sixers steadied things enough to take a 98-91 lead into the fourth.

OK, this is bad.

I don't even think the Sixers have started the third quarter playing all that poorly. They've missed a few good looks and the Heat have made a couple threes. Good timeout.

Joel Embiid has 21, Tyrese Maxey has 20 and 7 assists. A much better defensive second quarter and the Sixers take a 73-57 lead into the locker room.

He had padding on his ribs and he just threw it off. Was likely signaling to the bench he couldn't play with it.

Joel Embiid just signaled to the bench for a minute. He looks really uncomfortable out there, but he's staying in.

Tyrese Maxey throws a lob to VJ Edgecombe and that gets the crowd into it. Sixers up 59-47. Timeout Heat.

Holy shit, VJ Edgecombe

Joel Embiid has returned to the bench. Looks like he'll check back in.

Joel Embiid has gone back to the locker room. He continued to grab his ribs.

The key to Trendon Watford staying in the rotation: keep making great entry passes to Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid got fouled hard and has been favoring his ribs. Splits the free throws and was still grimacing and trying to work it out.

Tyrese Maxey drops 20 in the first quarter and becomes the Sixers' franchise all-time leader in threes made. Sixers will need to play a little defense. They're up 36-35 after one.

Tyrese Maxey acknowledges the crowd.

Holy shit, Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is now the Sixers' franchise leader in made threes.

The Sixers biggest issues tonight have been fouling and matching up in transition. Too many times they've gotten caught in a bad matchup which has led to a foul.

Tyrese Maxey ties the franchise record for threes.

Hell of a start for Joel Embiid. He has 7 points and 2 assists with two free throws coming after a timeout. Fun pace to the start of this one.

Jahad Dotson rings the bell.

Sixers starters vs. Miami Heat Tyrese Maxey VJ Edgecombe Kelly Oubre Jr. Dominick Barlow Joel Embiid

Nick Nurse said Johni Broome will have surgery this Saturday.

Third?! I'm insulted.

VJ Edgecombe getting some midrange work in with Paul George.

sixers win

This will totally turn down the temperature. What a unifier.

Dominant close to the third (how refreshing) and the Sixers are up 106-85. Tyrese Maxey with 32-9-8. Joel Embiid with 22, VJ Edgecombe 21.

Tyrese Maxey with 28-9-7. Last floater was ridiculous.

If the Sixers play defense at any point in this game, it's over.

Sixers overcome an ugly first quarter to dominate the second. Maxey and Embiid combined for 39 points. Edgecombe with 14. Sixers up 75-65.

No idea what the hell Watford is thinking there.

What a dime by Tyrese Maxey there. Maxey and Joel Embiid are humming. If the Sixers can play a little defense, they should be in good shape.

Joel Embiid has 11 points in 10 minutes and doesn't even look like he's broken a sweat.

Holy shit, Tyrese Maxey

More good minutes from Quentin Grimes. Going to keep saying it, but the Sixers really need this version.

Much more urgency from the Sixers to start the second. They're on a 13-0 run to start the period after a Tyrese Maxey transition three. He's got 13, Edgecombe with 10.

The Sixers giving up 38 points to this version of the Pacers is ... something.

The Indiana Pacers, whose injury report reads like a CVS receipt, have 30 points with 3:33 left in the first.

The Indiana Pacers, whose injury report reads like a CVS receipt, have 30 points with 3:33 left in the first.

As someone who obsesses over photo choices … bravo on this one.

Miles just asked me if Cookie Monster has bones inside his body. I really need it to stop snowing (parents know).

Probably not a coincidence that Tyrese Maxey drops 39 in a game where VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes were shooting lights out. Teams have just been getting the ball out of Maxey's hands and showing crowds. Harder to do when other guys are hurting the defense.

Man, Tyrese Maxey is willing the Sixers tonight. Refusing to let them blow this.

Tyrese Maxey has been awesome, but so have VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes. They're extending the Sixers' lead to start the fourth.

Holy shit, VJ Edgecombe