Riding a three-game winning streak into the new year, the Sixers look to continue that success against a Rockets team that is not so subtly imploding. Hopefully, the Sixers will be starting off 2022 with an easy win, but, as the team has shown this season, those are hard to come by no matter the opponent.
While there are plenty of reasons to be negative thinking about the Sixers’ past, it’s a new year. It’s time to begin to think positively, and the Sixers can reassure many fans by taking care of business tonight.
The Sixers Are Hot
Not only are the Sixers enjoying a winning streak, but they are also coming off of one of their most impressive wins this season, against Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 as they led the team to a 110-102 victory.
This game had a playoff atmosphere before, during, and after tip-off. Embiid and Durant dueled back and forth the entire night, and when it was all said and done, Embiid had bragging rights, but they both had each other’s respect.
It was an impressive night for Embiid but also for Maxey, who boasted seven rebounds and four assists along with his 25 points. It was a great sign for the future to see both Maxey and Embiid thrive in the same game, as oftentimes it seemed like an either-or situation earlier this season.
Nobody was happier for Maxey than Joel Embiid, who paid the Sixers’ young guard one of the highest compliments that he has ever given: “You were great.”
Things seem to be rolling in the right direction at long last for the Sixers, which is more than can be said for the directionless Houston Rockets.
The Rockets Are Hot-Headed
While the Philadelphia 76ers are enjoying their win streak, the Houston Rockets are currently suffering their way through a seven-game losing streak. Things are getting hot in Houston, just not in the way the franchise would desire.
During their latest loss, two of the Rockets’ supposedly pivotal players in Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr., were involved in their own personal tantrums. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, assistant coach John Lucas called out the Rockets players, and the team reacted poorly, to say the least.
Wood already was in a precarious position, having started the game benched, having missed a mandatory pregame COVID test. He played eight minutes in the first half and proceeded to refuse to check in during the second.
Kevin Porter Jr., on the other hand, was, as usual, a bit more explosive of a situation. After a heated argument, Porter threw an object (which I like to think was another bowl of soup) and stormed out of the arena. This is not the first outburst by Porter, and it likely will not be the last either.
When, Where, & How to Watch
- When – Tonight, 7:00 PM EST
- Where – Wells Fargo Center
- How to Watch – NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers are currently 13 point favorites with a money line of -1000 (per DraftKings). While any spread 10+ is intimidating, the Sixers should clear that with ease tonight. If not, then expect questions to surround the team, even if they still pull out the win.
