Friday, 19 January 2018: Australian star Ben Simmons had eight points and seven rebounds in Philadelphia's upset NBA win over Boston.

BEN SIMMONS #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during a NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ben Simmons has followed being overlooked for the starting five in the East NBA All-Star team with a quiet performance in his side Philadelphia's upset away win over Boston.

The Australian had eight points, seven rebounds and four assists in the 89-80 victory at TD Garden on Thursday, hours after finding out he'd missed out on a starting spot for East.

All-Star centre Joel Embiid starred against the Celtics with 26 points, 16 rebounds and six assists as the 76ers benefited from the absence of Boston guard Kyrie Irving due to a shoulder injury.

It was Embiid's first All-Star selection and his rebounds on Thursday were a career best.

Simmons, who will now have to wait until next week to hear if he's earned an All-Star bench spot, showed a glimpse of his dazzling best, when he put on a spin move under the net to get past fellow rookie-of-the-year contender Jayson Tatum for a lay-up.

Australia centre Aron Baynes had two points and four rebounds in 15 minutes for the Celtics.

The Sixers lead by 21 points early in the fourth quarter before holding off the home side's late rally.

In the earlier game, Cleveland seemed to go to sleep in the third quarter being outscored by Orlando 33-17 but rallied in the final term for a 104-103 win.

Isaiah Thomas top-scored for the Cavaliers with 21 points, while LeBron James added 16.