At 19-19, the Rockets are among the more surprising stories of the NBA’s 2023-24 season to date. Houston finished last or tied for last in the Western Conference in each of the past three years.
Because of that lowly track record, the Rockets weren’t given much national television exposure entering this season. But that changes in Monday’s matinee from Philadelphia, where first-year head coach Ime Udoka will lead his Rockets against the 76ers on NBA TV.
The bad news for the Rockets, of course, is that it’s a road game — and Houston is just 4-13 away from home. Another challenging factor is that Philadelphia might have Joel Embiid back in the lineup. The reigning MVP has missed seven of his team’s past nine games with left knee inflammation and a right ankle sprain.
Monday’s game could also be important, psychologically. In an extended stretch of two-plus months dating back to Nov. 6, the Rockets have only found themselves below .500 after one game. That would change with a loss to Philadelphia, which already won a close game at Houston approximately two-and-a-half weeks ago.
Now, in a matinee on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Rockets hope to get some revenge as they continue a six-game Eastern Conference road trip. At the moment, Houston is just 1-3 on that trip, which concludes Wednesday night in New York against the Knicks.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 15
- Time: 12:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA TV
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (19-19)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Philadelphia 76ers (24-13)
- Guard: Tyrese Maxey
- Guard: Patrick Beverley
- Forward: Nicolas Batum
- Forward: Tobias Harris
- Center: Paul Reed
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game, with the exception of Beverley for De’Anthony Melton, who is listed as out.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) and Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) as out. Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. are in the NBA G League, while Nate Williams was recently recalled and is currently with the Rockets.
Philadelphia is listing De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (left knee), and Kenneth Lofton Jr. (left shoulder) as out. Mo Bamba (right knee) is doubtful, and Joel Embiid (left knee) is questionable.
Jan. 15 uniform choices
- Rockets: White Association Edition
- 76ers: Blue Icon Edition
