Paul George of Philadelphia 76ers (Image via Getty) The Houston Rockets visit the Philadelphia 76ers on January 22 at the Wells Fargo Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Houston comes in as a 2.5-point favorite.Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race, but injuries are shaping how this game may play out. Houston is missing key veterans, while Philadelphia’s situation depends on whether its top players are available. Lineups and minutes could shift quickly once the game starts.
Houston Rockets Injury Update vs Philadelphia 76ers (January 22, 2026)
Houston Rockets will again be without Steven Adams, who is sidelined indefinitely with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain. His absence removes one of the team’s most reliable rebounders, after averaging 8.6 boards per game in 32 appearances.The Rockets are also adjusting to life without Fred VanVleet, who is out for the season following a right knee ACL tear. With him unavailable, the ball-handling load has shifted to younger guards. Reed Sheppard has seen steady minutes and is averaging 12.9 points per game with consistent outside shooting.Depth is further tested with Aaron Holiday listed as questionable due to back spasms. Isaiah Crawford will not play because of illness. Houston is relying more on Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. to cover minutes across multiple positions.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Update vs Houston Rockets (January 22, 2026)
Philadelphia 76ers’ report is lighter but carries more uncertainty. Joel Embiid is listed as probable as part of ongoing right ankle management. If he plays, he will be matched up against Alperen Sengün, who is averaging 14.7 points and 7.1 rebounds.Paul George is questionable with a left knee issue after missing the previous game. If he is out, the offense will run even more through Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 25.2 points per game. Players like Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe could see increased roles.
How Injuries Shape the Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Game (January 22, 2026)
Houston Rockets’ have some issues in their frontcourt depth and that could be a serious problem if Embiid plays. Philadelphia 76ers’ could be fan favorites tonight is we see Joel playing and also Paul George. There could be more responsibility on guards if either sits.
Potential Lineup Shifts
TeamOut PlayersQuestionableLikely Beneficiaries Rockets Adams (Ankle), VanVleet (Knee), Crawford (Illness) Holiday (Back) Sheppard, Thompson, Eason 76ers None major Embiid (Ankle), George (Knee) Maxey, Grimes, EdgecombeAlso read: Is Joel Embiid playing tonight vs the Houston Rockets? Latest update on the Philadelphia 76ers star’s injury report (January 22, 2026)Injuries won’t decide the game by themselves, but they will shape the matchups, shorten rotations, and affect how each team handles important segments of the game.