The Philadelphia 76ers took a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first round series with a 128-108 win over the Miami Heat.

Joel Embiid returned to the team – wearing a face mask following a recent orbital fracture – and went on to score 23 points with seven rebounds and four assists.

Embiid was backed up by Ben Simmons who made 19 points, 12 rebound and seven assists as the 76ers put on a convincing display during game three in Miami.

The New Orleans Pelicans, meanwhile, extended their series lead in the Western Conference to 3-0 with a 119-102 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Nikola Mirotic scored a career play-off high of 30 points, while Anthony Davis added 28 points and 11 rebounds to put the Pelicans in a commanding position to move past the play-off first rounds for the first time in 10 years ahead of game four on Saturday.

The Golden State Warriors also took a 3-0 series lead, beating the San Antonio Spurs 110-97.

Twenty-six points came from Kevin Durant – with nine rebounds and six assists – as the Warriors look to close out the first round in San Antonio in game four on Sunday.