NBA Notes: Sixers, Joel Embiid, Suns, Grayson Allen, Kings

76ers

Health has changed the conversation in Philadelphia.

With 76ers riding a three-game road winning streak and sitting within striking distance of the East’s top tier, the biggest development is simple. They finally have their guys. Joel Embiid and Paul George started all three games, pairing with Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe to give opponents a real problem on both ends.

“For three games, we have started the same five people,” coach Nick Nurse said, via Tony Jones of The Athletic. “I don’t think I’ve been able to say that very much since I’ve been here.”

Embiid is beginning to look like himself again. He posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists Saturday in New York, and even threw down his first dunk of the season. That did not go unnoticed.

“I was so happy,” Maxey said. “Now he’s telling me to throw him a lob.”

Edgecombe felt it too. “I’m just super happy to see Joel and Tyrese and PG on the floor and healthy,” he said. “This is great.”

Suns

The Suns may be close to getting reinforcements.

Grayson Allen missed his ninth straight game with a right knee injury but went through five-on-five work Saturday and could return against Houston.

“That’s what we were looking for,” coach Jordan Ott said, via Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “Everything seems to be good to go.”

Ott also said Jalen Green is nearing live contact as he works back from a hamstring strain.

Kings

It has been one thing after another in Sacramento.

The Kings dropped their fifth straight Sunday while losing Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis to injuries. Murray exited with a left ankle issue after recently returning from a calf strain, while Ellis played just five minutes before hurting his left thumb.

“I don’t know yet,” coach Doug Christie said afterward, via Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. “It’s not even for me to speculate.”

Ellis has been mentioned in trade talks, while Murray remains one of the organization’s clear building blocks.

“It’s hard,” Christie said. “You feel for your kids. It’s just difficult.”