The Philadelphia 76ers went winless on their recent three-game road trip through Cleveland, Memphis and Houston.
They’ll look to get back on track when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
The Sixers’ most recent loss, 132-123 in double overtime to the Rockets on Monday, was especially frustrating. James Harden returned after a 14-game absence with a strained tendon in his foot, but the Sixers couldn’t overcome the Rockets, who entered with a 6-17 record.
Harden had 21 points but shot 4 of 19 with seven turnovers. Joel Embiid led the way with 39 points and Tobias Harris added 27, but it wasn’t enough.
The Sixers have been without Tyrese Maxey for the last nine games with a fractured left foot. On Nov. 19, the timeline looked to be three to four weeks.
The Lakers will aim to avoid a third straight setback after losing on consecutive nights to the Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
To be fair, the Lakers fell 126-113 to the Raptors without LeBron James (left ankle) and Anthony Davis (non-COVID illness). They were also without Patrick Beverley (right knee) and Wenyen Gabriel (left shoulder).
And Juan Toscano-Anderson left in the fourth quarter with a sprained right ankle.
Gabriel and Toscano-Anderson will sit out Friday night.
Dennis Schroder led the way with 18 points while Russell Westbrook and Thomas Bryant added 16 apiece. They overcame a lackluster first half and ate into a 27-point deficit down the stretch.
Ham reportedly gave a stern message to his team at halftime.
