Embiid scores 42 as Sixers power past Celtics

Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis (27) fouls Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) away from the ball during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center on January 20, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid scored 42 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lift host Philadelphia 76ers past rival Boston Celtics 117-109 on Wednesday.

Embiid shot 12 of 19 from the field and 17 of 21 from the free-throw line for his second 40-point effort this season — both in the past three games. Tobias Harris added 22 points for the Sixers, who have won eight of nine at home.

The Celtics played without Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from COVID-19.

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 26 points while Marcus Smart added a season-high 25.

Daniel Theis had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Kemba Walker contributed 19 points in just 22 minutes in his second game back from a knee injury.