Blake Griffin notches 50-point haul as Simmons sits out

Blake Griffin's career-high 50 points propelled the Pistons to a dramatic 133-132 overtime victory over a 76ers side missing Australian Ben Simmons.

Simmons rested his troublesome back, watching on as Griffin ran rampant before landing the decisive free throw after being fouled when driving to the hoop with 1.8 seconds remaining.

JJ Redick's four-point play with 5.6 seconds left in overtime set up Griffin's dramatics, while Joel Embiid, who had 33 points and 11 rebounds, missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.

Griffin, whose previous career best was 47 points, made 20 of 35 field-goal attempts and 5 of 11 free-throw attempts. He added 14 rebounds and six assists.

He racked up 28 points in the first half despite missing his first six free throw attempts.

Reggie Jackson also supplied 23 points while Ish Smith tossed in 21 off the bench and Reggie Bullock added 17 for Detroit.

The Pistons are now 3-0 for the first time since 2015-16, the last time they made the playoffs.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown revealed Simmons could also miss the 76ers' next assignment at Milwaukee on Wednesday as he continues to manage back tightness.

The issue flared when the Australian had to leave Saturday's game against Orlando in the first quarter.

"He didn't feel as comfortable as we would've wanted," Brown said before Simmons was a spectator against Detroit.

"It's just one of those things that with a back-to-back game and giving him the best chance we could give him to possibly play (Wednesday), we felt like it was wise to sit him tonight."

The 76ers will be keen to have Simmons involved against the Bucks given Milwaukee have won their first three matches and averaged 118.3 points per game.

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