:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49030607/usa-today-9163683.0.jpg)
Last season, the Rockets finally broke free from the Philadelphia Curse, sweeping the 76ers and winning in Philly after years of futility in the city. Sunday night, Houston won for the first time in Toronto since 2007. The houses of horrors are starting to become just road games.
The Sixers have lost their last 12 games. Once again, they are a young team attempting to accumulate assets to become a superteam eventually. They've had setbacks like Joel Embiid, but it's a process that could prove quite successful if given time to come to fruition. And it looks like Sixers' brass will let Hinkie continue to do just that.
In the first game between these teams, Houston built a big lead late in the third quarter but the former Rockets Isaiah Canaan and Robert Covington went off to give Philly a lead midway through the fourth. In the end, it was a 50-point game from James Harden that won the game. Tonight, Philly has Ish Smith and Carl Landry to help with their cadre of former Rockets.
Jahlil Okafor is out indefinitely with a sore right knee. Nerlens Noel is day-to-day but is expected to play.
Look, Houston should win this game. However, they always seem to have excessive trouble against these young Philly squads.
Tip-off is 6pm CST.
Rockets vs 76ers coverage