The National Basketball Association presents an exciting Eastern Conference showdown as the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to host the Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated regular season fixture. This clash promises to deliver thrilling basketball action with both teams fielding star-studded lineups and battling through injury concerns.
Game Details: When and Where to Watch
The Philadelphia 76ers will welcome the Houston Rockets to their home court at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, January 22, 2026. For television viewers, the broadcast will be available exclusively on MNMT2 and FDSSC networks. Basketball enthusiasts preferring online streaming can catch all the action live through Fubo and Prime Video platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across different viewing preferences.
Team Performance and Season Statistics
The Philadelphia 76ers enter this contest with a current season record of 23 wins and 19 losses, demonstrating a solid but inconsistent performance throughout their campaign. Their offensive firepower largely revolves around dynamic guard Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as their most crucial player this season. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, hold a slight statistical advantage with an impressive 26-15 record from their 41 games played, positioning them as formidable opponents with better overall momentum.
Expected Starting Lineups
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Five:
- Tyrese Maxey (Point Guard)
- VJ Edgecombe (Shooting Guard)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (Small Forward)
- Dominick Barlow (Power Forward)
- Andre Drummond (Center)
Houston Rockets Starting Five:
- Amen Thompson (Point Guard)
- Kevin Durant (Shooting Guard)
- Tari Eason (Small Forward)
- Jabari Smith Jr. (Power Forward)
- Alperen Sengun (Center)
Injury Report and Player Availability
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Concerns:
- Paul George - Listed as questionable due to knee issues
- Joel Embiid - Also questionable with ankle problems, likely to miss this game
Houston Rockets Injury Status:
- Aaron Holiday - Questionable with back discomfort
- Steven Adams - Ruled out completely with an ankle injury
Key Players and Individual Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers will heavily rely on Tyrese Maxey's exceptional scoring ability, as the guard has been averaging an impressive 30.0 points per game this season along with 4.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe brings additional youthful energy to the lineup, while veteran center Andre Drummond provides crucial rebounding and defensive presence in the paint.
For the Houston Rockets, future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of basketball's greatest scorers, maintaining averages of 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. Turkish center Alperen Sengun complements Durant perfectly with his versatile all-around game, contributing 21.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per matchup.
Game Prediction and Analysis
Despite playing on their home court, the Philadelphia 76ers face significant challenges in this encounter. The potential absence of Joel Embiid creates a substantial void in their interior defense and scoring, placing additional pressure on Tyrese Maxey to carry the offensive load. The Houston Rockets enter this fixture with better overall statistics and more consistent recent form, giving them a psychological edge.
With Kevin Durant's scoring prowess and Alperen Sengun's all-court effectiveness, the Rockets possess multiple offensive weapons that could overwhelm the 76ers' defense. While Philadelphia's home advantage and Tyrese Maxey's individual brilliance could keep the game competitive, the Rockets' superior record and healthier roster situation suggest they have a higher probability of securing victory in this Eastern Conference battle.
This matchup represents more than just another regular season game—it's a test of resilience for the 76ers and an opportunity for the Rockets to solidify their playoff positioning. Basketball fans can expect an intense, high-scoring affair with strategic adjustments from both coaching staffs throughout the four quarters.
