Battling for top-six spot, Sixers face youth-driven Jazz

Earlier this week, Joel Embiid was said to be close to a return from a right oblique strain.

But he didn't play against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and he will be sidelined again on Saturday night when the 76ers face the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

That raises the absences to 12 straight for Embiid, who hasn't played since late February. Overall, he has played in just 33 games this season.

Philadelphia (38-32) would like to see the seven-time All-Star on the court as it battles for a top-six playoff spot. The sizzling Atlanta Hawks have seized temporary hold of the No. 6 spot entering Friday's play.

The Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and 76ers are all tied, a half-game behind the No. 6 spot. The Nos. 7-10 spots compete in the play-in round.

Philadelphia, of course, is also dealing with the loss of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey due to a finger tendon injury. The 76ers are hopeful of getting Maxey back in early April.

On Thursday, Philadelphia star rookie VJ Edgecombe established career bests of 38 points and 11 assists to go with seven rebounds in a 139-118 rout of the host Sacramento Kings. It was the 76ers' third win in their past four games.

"I was just in the flow. I was just happy," Edgecombe said. "I was just out there hooping, trying to make the right plays. I don't care how many points I score. I just want to win."

Edgecombe made 16 of 28 field-goal attempts (57.1%) to top 50% for the first time in eight games this month. He has shot 25% or lower three times.

Justin Edwards also stood out against the Kings with career highs of 32 points and seven 3-pointers in 33 minutes. Quentin Grimes added 27 points for the 76ers.

Philadelphia is completing a three-game road trip after splitting the first two.

The 76ers will look to beat Utah for the fifth straight time. Philadelphia notched a 106-102 home victory on March 4.

The Jazz are coming off a superb effort in which they steamrolled the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 128-96 on Thursday night.

Rookie Ace Bailey scored a season-best 33 points and matched his high of seven 3-pointers as he continues to display his promise. He is averaging 18.8 points in eight March games.

"Ace is continuing to grow before our eyes," Utah coach Will Hardy said of the No. 5 overall pick. "The offense is what will be talked about a lot. He's shooting the ball really well right now. ...

"He doesn't look as rushed on offense. His balance looks way better, and then I think his length and his youth and his energy defensively is really helping us. ... I'm really proud of him."

Bailey's previous best game also occurred this month when he scored 32 points and made seven 3-pointers in a 122-112 road win over the Washington Wizards.

"I'm getting comfortable," Bailey said. "Thanks to my teammates for trusting me and putting me in position to make shots and then me having confidence to knock shots down."

Elijah Harkless produced career bests of 23 points and 10 assists and Cody Williams also had 23 points as the Jazz (21-49) broke a four-game losing streak with the win over the Bucks. Utah has won just three of its past 15 games.

The Jazz will be without Brice Sensabaugh (illness) for the second straight game. He scored 41 points in a 147-111 loss to the host Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday before falling ill.