Embiid and Maxey became arguably the NBA’s most dangerous offensive tandem last season. The Sixers likely need a return to form from the duo.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 35 points and 11 rebounds, but Philadelphia lost its fifth straight. Rookie Jared McCain finished with 20 points, while Guerschon Yabusele added 17 points. Memphis, which led 115-100 with 3:15 left, had to withstand a late Philadelphia rally to capture the victory.

The Sixers, who are off to a nightmarish 2-12 start this year, are teetering on the verge of a lost season in the wake of Paul George's latest knee injury.