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Sixers-Rockets preview: Can Joel Embiid and co. stop James Harden?

Houston guard James Harden averaged 42 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds against the Sixers last season.

James Harden put up 51 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists in Houston’s win over the Sixers last season at the Wells Fargo Center. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
James Harden put up 51 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists in Houston’s win over the Sixers last season at the Wells Fargo Center. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYong Kim / Staff
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Houston Rockets (3-1) at 76ers (1-3)

Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking Points

The Houston Rockets are looking to regroup after losing 98-90 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. They boast one of the league's elite players in James Harden. He's playing point guard while Chris Paul is sideline with a left knee injury. Harden has at least 20 points and seven assists in all four games. He also has a knack for dominating the Sixers. Harden averaged a triple-double (42 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) in last season's two meetings. He did that by shooting 52.6 percent on three-pointers.

Joel Embiid and the Sixers are familiar with Luc Mbah a Moute, the Rockets' sixth man. He and Embiid are from the Cameroon. Mbah a Moute is also a mentor to Embiid and former Sixer teammate.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Philadelphia

  2. Radio – 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers, @NBASarah

Starting Lineups

Rockets (3-1)

4 P.J. Tucker SF 6-6 8.0 ppg 5.0 rpg.

33 Ryan Anderson PF 6-10 7.8 ppg. 7.3 rpg.

15 Clint Capela C 6-10 15.3 ppg. 9.3 rpg.

10 Eric Gordon SG 6-2 23.5 ppg. 3.3 apg.

13 James Harden PG 6-5 26.5 ppg. 8.8 apg.

Coach: Mike D'Antoni (14th season, 513-454)

Injury report:  Nene (left Achilles injury, doubtful), Trevor Ariza (left foot sprain, out), Chris Paul (left knee injury, out).

Sixers (1-3)

17 J.J. Redick G 6-4  11.0 ppg. 3.0 apg.

33 Robert Covington PF 6-9  14.3 ppg. 1.3 spg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 19.0 ppg. 12.0 rpg.

0 Jerryd Bayless SG 6-3  13.3 ppg. 1.0 spg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.0 ppg. 10.0 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (Fifth season, 77-256)

Injury report: Richaun Holmes (left wrist fracture, out)

Head to Head

The Rockets hold a 71-68 series advantage. They have won the last seven and nine of their previous 10 series meeting. Harden put on a show in the team's last matchup. He finished with 51 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds to lead the Rockets to a 123-118 victory over the Sixers on Jan. 27 at the Wells Fargo Center. Embiid finished with 32 points in turned out to be his final game of the season.

Upcoming games

Friday: 8:30 p.m., at American Airlines Center, Sixers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Monday: 8 p.m., at Toyota Center, Sixers vs. Rockets

Nov. 1: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Atlanta Hawks vs. Sixers

Nov. 3: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Indiana Pacers vs. Sixers

Nov. 7: 9 p.m., at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Sixers vs. Utah Jazz