Rockets Return Home, Host Sixers in Harden’s Philly Debut at Toyota Center
The Return (Remixed). Flash Gordon to Past Gordon. Light the Fuse.
After a brutal four-game road-trip, the Rockets finally head back to Houston to host the Philadelphia 76ers. All wasn’t bad on the trip, as the Rockets got their best win of the season in Phoenix amidst a triplet of blowout losses. Houston now enters a stretch where they play eight of the next nine games at their comfortable lair, the Toyota Center. The Rockets have played almost twice as many road games (15) compared to home games this season (8), so this is a much-needed home-stand coming up for Houston. The Sixers have been an average team so far this season. Philly’s dropped their last two games, putting their record at 12-11. They have Joel Embiid, one of the league’s most dominant big men. Embiid had 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in Philly’s previous game. If Houston wants any chance, they need Alperen Sengun, Bruno Fernando, Tari Eason, and others to step up to the challenge.
The Sixers also have some guy named James Harden, The Beard makes only his third return to Houston since departing nearly two years ago. This is the first time Harden is facing the Rockets in a Sixers uniform, as the previous two appearances came during his brief tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. Harden is also returning from an injury, and playing only his tenth game of the season tonight. He hasn’t been the dominant player who once held his own “Unstoppable Tour” in Houston, but no doubt Harden is ready to feast on his former team. The Beard is still more than capable of having a vintage “Rockets Harden” game on any night. Houston has to hope he’s rusty, and force him into turnover-prone possessions.
Eric Gordon is the lone member remaining from the Harden days. Being the second half of a back-to-back, EG sat out Houston’s loss to Golden State. Expect Gordon to have a prime performance echoing his Flash Gordon and Splash Gordon days. EG’s numbers, and enthusiasm have dropped the past two seasons. His name is swirling in trade rumors, and Gordon likely will be dealt to a contender before the deadline. Just like Harden, Gordon wants to prove he’s still got some gas left in the tank. Don’t be surprised if the former teammates are two of the headliners after tonight’s contest.
The Rockets need to take advantage of this home-heavy stretch coming up in their schedule. Philly is a solid basketball team, but Tyrese Maxey has been injured and Harden is making his return in only his tenth game tonight. They haven’t been at full strength, and Houston is more than capable of dealing the Sixers their third straight loss tonight. As they return to Toyota Center after a four-game trip out West… the Rockets will seek to shave Philly’s chances, and get their fourth home win of the season on Monday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Philadelphia 76ers (12-11): Blue
Houston Rockets (6-17): White
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass