Joel Embiid is out after emergency appendix surgery, but Tyrese Maxey dropped 32 as the Sixers beat the Pacers 105-94 to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Philadelphia 76ers are refusing to go quietly. With Joel Embiid sidelined after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis — an operation that could keep him out up to six weeks — the Sixers needed someone to step up. Tyrese Maxey answered with 32 points to lead Philly to a 105-94 win over the Indiana Pacers and snap a three-game losing streak.

Paul George added 21 points while rookie VJ Edgecombe posted 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in expanded minutes. The Pacers, who've already been eliminated from playoff contention at 19-62, offered little resistance but the Sixers took care of business.

The win keeps Philadelphia's playoff positioning alive heading into Sunday's finale. Currently sitting in the 8th spot, the Sixers can jump to 7th with a win combined with an Orlando Magic loss — which would allow them to skip the Play-In Tournament entirely. Without Embiid, every game matters more. The question now is whether Maxey can carry this team deep enough for Embiid to potentially return in a later round.