PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the Houston Rockets on Monday afternoon in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee looking to continue to grow. The Sixers welcomed Joel Embiid back to the lineup after the big fella missed three games in a row due to a left knee issue, but also lost De’Anthony Melton due to his lumbar spine issue flaring up a bit.
All in all, the Sixers were able to handle business against the spunky Rockets. After Houston took a 17-16 lead in the first quarter, Philadelphia took control of the game from there. The Sixers ended the first on a 17-2 run to lead it 33-19 and led by as many as 28 on their way to a 124-115 victory.
Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 41 points and 10 rebounds, Tyrese Maxey added 27 points and seven assists, Tobias Harris had 10 points, and Nic Batum had five, five rebounds, and three assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. added seven points while Patrick Beverley added 11, five rebounds, and six assists, Marcus Morris Sr. had eight points and five rebounds, and Danuel House Jr. had six and five rebounds. Paul Reed gave seven and four boards.
Here are the player grades following the win: