Rockets Visit 76ers for Matinee MLK-Day Affair
Routine Adjustment. Dangerous Return. Containment to the Max.
Houston continues their six-game road-trip with an afternoon stop in Philadelphia as they meet the 76ers. This is the earliest the Rockets will play all season. Unlike the Knicks or Lakers, who seeming have a day game almost once a week, these matinee matchups are rare for Houston. It will be interesting to see how the Rockets adjust to playing at a much earlier time than usual. Tip-off is set for noon Central Time, which is roughly about 7 hours earlier than the average (7:00 PM CT) start time. Hopefully the squad can erase that Boston beatdown from their memories, and put on a better performance this afternoon.
In the first matchup between foes, Joel Embiid didn’t play for the Sixers. After being deemed questionable for the second tilt, the reigning MVP is going to give it a go this time. This means another tough night is in store for Alperen Sengun, as he’ll try and battle with one of the best big men in the league. Despite winning the MVP last season, Embiid is seemingly having an even better season this year.
Philly’s Tyrese Maxey lit up the Rockets for more than 40 points in the first matchup, a hard-fought game Houston should’ve won, but ultimately lost. If they want any chance of beating a better version of the Sixers on the road, the Rockets have to tighten up their defense. Tari Eason is still out with an injury, but Dillon Brooks returned in Houston’s previous game. Brooks didn’t play in the first matchup. Hopefully, the Villain can slow Maxey on the perimeter, and Sengun can hold his own against Embiid in the paint. The odds aren’t in the Rockets’ favor this afternoon, but if they can summon some of that Eason-esque energy they’re been sorely lacking… they’ll have at least a chance in the City of Brotherly Love.
Wells Fargo Center: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (19-19): White
Philadelphia 76ers (24-13): Blue
Tip-Off: 12:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA TV