Thaddeus Young matched his season high with 30 points and the 76ers (12-21) displayed vastly improved defense in holding off a furious late rally by the Blazers (26-7).
Evan Turner added 23 points and rookie star Michael Carter-Williams had 16, but fell hard on the court at the final buzzer when he was trying to keep Damian Lillard from scoring the game-tying basket.
Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points and 14 rebounds for his 20th double-double this season. Robin Lopez added 14 points and 15 rebounds in just the Blazers' fourth loss at home this season.