Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA (76ers home game)
The Rockets, one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference with elite defense and youthful athleticism, travel to face the 76ers, a middling Eastern Conference squad reliant on star power and home-court advantage. Houston aims to extend road success and maintain playoff positioning, while Philadelphia looks to leverage Embiid’s potential return for a boost.
Injury Report
Houston Rockets:
Steven Adams (C): Out (ankle, expected return ~March 13)
Fred VanVleet (PG): Out (knee, long-term until ~June)
Tari Eason (SF/PF): Out (oblique injury, extended absence)
Aaron Holiday (PG/SG): Questionable (back) – potential backup playmaking boost if active
Philadelphia 76ers:
Joel Embiid (C): Questionable/GTD (ankle/knee management) – Listed as likely to play or GTD in several reports; critical impact if active
Paul George (SF): Questionable or GTD in some previews (monitor status)
Other notes: Kelly Oubre Jr., Tyrese Maxey, and core rotation players generally available barring last-minute issues
Rockets are thin in the backcourt and frontcourt depth without VanVleet and Adams/Eason, relying on young guards like Amen Thompson and Jalen Green plus Alperen Sengun. Sixers’ status on Embiid heavily influences lines and projections.
Key
Player Matchups
PG: Amen Thompson (or Aaron Holiday Q) vs. Tyrese Maxey (Sixers’ speed/scoring threat; Rockets’ length/defense to contain transition)
SG: Jalen Green (Rockets’ explosive scorer) vs. Kelly Oubre Jr. or Buddy Hield (perimeter shooting/defense battle)
SF: Dillon Brooks or Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Paul George (if active; defensive intensity from Brooks key)
PF/C: Alperen Sengun (Rockets’ skilled big, post play/rebounding) vs. Joel Embiid (if active; elite interior matchup – size, skill, scoring vs. Sengun’s craftiness)
The Sengun-Embiid (or backup) frontcourt clash is pivotal for rebounding and paint scoring. Rockets’ switchable defense (Brooks, Thompson) can disrupt Sixers’ perimeter creation if Embiid is limited.
Team Recent Form
Rockets (26-15): Strong West contender (top ~4-6 seed range), excellent defensive rating, balanced offense. Recent form: Solid wins including 111-106 vs. Spurs (Jan 20); have shown resilience but noted recent road struggles (attempting to snap potential short skid). Overall consistent execution.
76ers (23-19): Around .500, battling for East playoff spot (mid-tier). Recent form: Win 113-104 vs. Pacers (Jan 19); mixed results with high-variance games – strong at home when healthy but prone to inconsistency without full roster.
Rockets emphasize pace, defense, and young talent development; Sixers rely on star-driven offense but face depth challenges.
Series History
All-time regular season: 76ers lead narrowly (78-77). In recent seasons (last 3 including 2025-26): Split 2-2. Rockets won both 2024-25 meetings by 7 points each. Last 10 overall mixed but Rockets have edge in recent H2H with defensive wins. Home/road splits favor the home team typically; totals vary but often competitive scoring.
Betting Trends
Rockets: Mixed ATS lately (e.g., 2-8 ATS last 10 in some windows) but strong SU (4-1 recent); good road underdogs/favorites historically. Sixers: 2-4 ATS last 6; solid home covers when favorites but vulnerable to motivated road teams. H2H: Rockets covered in recent wins; games often close (Under in several). Rockets 4-1 SU last 5 overall. General: Road favorites like Rockets cover ~50%+ in similar spots; totals lean Under with defensive teams/injuries. Embiid status shifts lines significantly (Sixers +favorites if out).
Game Odds
Houston Rockets – 2.5
Philadelphia Sixers 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
