Rockets surge east for a crucial showdown with the struggling 76ers. Can Houston extend its winning streak against a reeling Philadelphia squad?
On Thursday, January 22, the Houston Rockets (26-15) head back East to face the Philadelphia 76ers (23-19) for the first time this season at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Rockets seek to push their victory streak to four after a stellar fourth-quarter comeback performance at home against the San Antonio Spurs in a game that felt lost for the better half of the first three quarters. The final frame recovery was ignited by an unprecedented Reed Sheppard detonation, riddled with threes, forced turnovers, and smart basketball.
The matchup also features two teams firmly in the playoff mix. Philadelphia currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Houston has climbed to fourth in the West, continuing to build separation in a crowded standings race as the season passes the halfway mark.
Philadelphia enters Thursday looking to steady itself after a loss to Phoenix on Tuesday. The 76ers struggled to keep pace as the game wore on, falling behind early and never fully recovering. While they showed brief life late, the deficit was too large to overcome, underscoring ongoing concerns about consistency and depth against high-powered opponents.
For Houston, the focus will be on carrying momentum on the road. The Rockets have found multiple ways to win during this stretch with the defense tightening late and role players stepping up. Against a physical Philadelphia team, discipline and pace will matter, especially if the Rockets can turn defensive stops into controlled offense again.
Thursday’s matchup offers a measuring stick for both teams and one trying to extend its surge, the other trying to reassert footing at home.