Embiid scores 31 in return to the 76ers’ starting lineup [Video]

After missing his first seven shots and ambling deliberately in his left knee brace in the first quarter, the 2023 MVP went on a tear in a 108-100 win over Chicago.

CHICAGO — Two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting lineup against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

After missing his first seven shots and ambling deliberately in his left knee brace in the first quarter, the 2023 MVP went on a tear to propel the Sixers to a 108-100 win over the Chicago Bulls. Embiid connected on eight of his next 10 shots in the second quarter for his first 19 points of the game, which lifted Philadelphia to a 62-50 halftime lead.

The Sixers stretched it to 19 before holding on for their fourth win in five games, and Embiid finished with 31.

“I just got lucky and started making shots,” Embiid deadpanned when …