Rockets vs. 76ers Preview: Sustaining Success Against James Harden

The Houston Rockets will continue their five-game road trip Monday night against James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Houston Rockets (13-43) will continue their five-game road trip Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers (36-19) inside the Wells Fargo Center.

On Dec. 5, Jalen Green recorded 27 points, seven assists and four rebounds to lift the Rockets to a 132-123 double-overtime victory against the 76ers inside the Toyota Center. Following Green's performance, Houston's former franchise star guard James Harden took notice.

"I am so proud of him," Harden said. "He has not only lived up to expectations, but he is coming into his swagger every single game. Tonight, in overtime, he just took over, getting to the rim and doing all the necessary things to try and win this game. He has to keep that going." 

Rockets Injury Report:

• Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) OUT
• John Wall (not with the team) OUT

Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:

• Joel Embiid (left foot soreness) QUESTIONABLE
• Shake Milton (left eyes soreness) PROBABLE

Three things to watch:

The debuts of Justin Holiday and Frank Kaminsky:

The Rockets acquired four players at the trade deadline on Thursday but two remained on the roster — Justin Holiday and Frank Kaminsky. Houston acquired the two veterans from the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that sent Garrison Mathews and Bruno Fernando back in exchange.

It's unsure how coach Stephen Silas will fit Holiday and Kaminsky into the rotation. But general manager Rafael Stone believes their talents will enhance the Rockets' play to close out the 2022-23 campaign.

Houston reached a buyout agreement with Danny Green on Sunday and are expected to do the same with John Wall. Green signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers following his buyout.

Sustaining wins against James Harden:

The Rockets have held their own against James Harden following his departure from the franchise. They are 2-2 in four games against their former franchise star, but Houston has won the previous two games.

In their last meeting, the Rockets took a double-overtime victory over the 76ers, where Harden finished with 21 points (4-19 FG, 4-11 3PT) in the loss. He is averaging 23.0 points on 40.7 percent shooting against the Rockets since Houston traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021.

Joel Embiid for MVP:

Joel Embiid may not receive much recognition for MVP consideration, but no one can deny his dominance. Embiid is having arguably the best season of his career, entering the game averaging a career-best 33.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

After leading the 76ers to a comeback victory against the Nets Saturday night, Embiid has recorded 35 points or more with double-figure rebounds over the last two games. He scored 37 points and 13 rebounds in a win inside the Barclays Center.

In the 76ers previous meeting against the Rockets, Embiid recorded 39 points (12-21 FG, 14-17 FT), seven rebounds and two blocks.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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