The 76ers didn’t do themselves any favors by losing their game in San Antonio the other day, despite facing a Wemby-less Spurs side in the 2nd half of that game. If there is a silver lining for them from that game, it’s the fact that Joel Embiid scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and looked a lot healthier than in previous weeks. Another tall task awaits the Sixers on Thursday as they head to Houston for a date with the red-hot Rockets, looking to sweep the regular season series. The first meeting played back in January went into OT, but the Sixers ultimately prevailed thanks to big games from Maxey, Embiid and Kelly Oubre. It’s pretty much the same team this time around, but I’d argue Paul George is in better form, averaging 24.4 ppg in his last 7 outings.
This 7-game win streak couldn’t happen at a better time for the Rockets, who are now tied with the Lakers at 50-29. However, due to losing the head-to-head regular season series, they are still in 5th place. They just have to post a better record over these remaining regular season games to guarantee themselves home court in that matchup, and with the shape that the Lakers are in right now, that seems very likely. Beating this Philly team will be difficult though, despite all the solid numbers the Rockets have posted in these last 7 games. This is one of the rare games in which they’ll see just how much they miss Steven Adams. Without his physicality down low, I just don’t think the Rockets will have enough to contain Embiid close to the basket.
Both teams still have everything left to play for, but I’d argue that the sense of urgency to win is slightly higher for Philadelphia, as they don’t want to slip further down in the standings. Houston is safe in the 5th seed and even if they don’t win here, I still see them winning their last 2 games. Combined with the Lakers losing 2 of their last 3, that should be enough for KD and co. to grab the 4th seed. Philadelphia has won 9 of 12 meetings and has covered in 5 of 6 at Toyota Center. I’ll back Philly here.
76ers vs Rockets prediction: Philadelphia 76ers +4 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number or better.
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