Philadelphia-76ers vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2026

Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Game Preview

Houston hits the road after reaching the midpoint at 26-15, and the recent difference has been the secondary scoring. Reed Sheppard has turned into a real fourth-quarter lever, and when the Rockets get shot-making from the guards, their defense has more margin to win games the “ugly” way.

The roster note that matters is in the middle. Steven Adams is sidelined with a severe ankle sprain, and that can show up quickly in second-chance points and late-game rebounding sequences.

Philadelphia is closer to full strength than it has been lately, but availability still swings this matchup. Joel Embiid is trending toward playing, and Paul George is the key question. If the Sixers don’t have both, they’re asking Tyrese Maxey to carry too much creation against a physical defense.

Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Odds

Team	Moneyline	Spread	Total
Houston Rockets	-134	-2 (-110)	O 221.5 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers	+114	+2 (-110)	U 221.5 (-110)

Houston Rockets Betting Form

Houston’s best version is simple: defend, rebound, and let the guards punish you for loading up on the paint. Sheppard’s recent shooting stretch has raised their offensive floor, and it’s showing up late in games when opponents start sending extra help.

Injury Report: Adams being out removes a real edge on the glass, so Houston has to be cleaner with first-shot defense and turnovers to avoid giving away “free” extra possessions.

For recent results, splits, and matchup context, use the Houston Rockets team page.

Philadelphia 76ers Betting Form

Philadelphia’s offense is still built around Maxey’s pressure, but his efficiency has dipped lately, and teams have been comfortable being physical and rotating multiple bodies at him. That makes Embiid’s status massive, because it changes both spacing and how Houston can defend pick-and-roll without getting punished inside.

Injury Report: Embiid is listed probable and George is questionable. If George sits again, the Sixers’ creation gets thinner, and that’s where Houston can control long stretches with defense.

For home splits and game logs, use the Philadelphia 76ers team page.

Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Matchup Breakdown

This game is priced tight for a reason. Both teams can defend, and both can drag pace if they want to.

• Houston’s edge: physicality and defensive consistency, plus a rising perimeter scoring punch that can swing close games late.
• Philadelphia’s edge: if Embiid plays, the half-court scoring ceiling jumps and the Sixers can win the free-throw and paint math.
• Swing factor: rebounding and second chances with Adams out. If the Rockets get hurt on the glass, the spread becomes much harder to cover even if the defense holds up.

Houston Rockets vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions and Best Bets

I’m backing Houston at this number because they’ve got the more reliable possession-to-possession defense right now, and Sheppard’s shot-making is giving them a late-game scoring answer they didn’t always have earlier in the season. If George is limited or out, Philadelphia’s path gets narrower because Maxey has to win too many tough possessions against a physical scheme.

Best Bet: Rockets -2 (-110)

Picks and Handicappers

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