Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Time: 8:00 p.m. (ET)
The Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers matchup could be the best game on MLK Day. The Rockets are surging up the Western Conference standings and a big reason why is the play of last year’s MVP James Harden. Harden has been on a tear lately going for 30 point triple-doubles and hitting big shot after big shot. On most nights that’s what it takes for Houston to win as the loss of Chris Paul has certainly hampered the teams offense and defense.
The Austin Rivers signing has certainly helped make the Rockets a better team and could be the biggest reason why Houston has a shot at home court come playoff time instead of being the road team. The loss of Capela should be huge in this game for Houston.
Philadelphia also made a big move this season as they traded for Jimmy Butler and the move has made them a better team overall, the 76ers still have issues with their fit and bench. Philadelphia is in the thick of a battle for playoff positioning in the East as the 76ers, Pacers and Celtics are fighting for the third and fourth seeds and the opportunity to host their first round series. With the game being played on a national audience expect Harden, Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons to all have big games.