Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Philadelphia 76ersOpen full analysis
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Houston Rockets 128–122 on January 22 at Wells Fargo Center, staying just below the Vegas total of 221.5 points combined. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 36 points, while Joel Embiid added 32 as the 76ers shot 55.1 percent from the field and made 11 three-pointers en route to a 122.3 offensive rating. Houston's Kevin Durant matched Maxey's 36-point output and launched 18 three-pointers—more than double Philadelphia's three-point volume—yet the Rockets shot just 46.5 percent overall and turned the ball over 16 times. The 76ers controlled the second quarter, outscoring Houston 36–27 to build separation, then held firm in the fourth quarter with a 25-point frame despite Houston's late push. Philadelphia's defensive rating of 110.3 proved decisive against Houston's 110.3 offensive rating, while the Rockets' bench scoring from Alperen Şengün (17 points) couldn't overcome the depth disadvantage. The win strengthens Philadelphia's playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
