Rockets vs 76ers Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 3/17/2025

The surging Houston Rockets, winners of six straight and boasting the NBA's second-best defense, welcome a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad to the Toyota Center on Monday night.

While the Rockets have found their groove behind Jalen Green's 21.3 points per game and Alperen Sengun's double-double averages, the Sixers showed signs of life in their recent 130-125 victory over Dallas despite missing several key players including Paul George and Kyle Lowry.

The matchup pits the defensive-minded Rockets, who've held opponents to just 108.8 points per game, against a Sixers team that's struggled on both ends of the floor, setting up an intriguing clash between the red-hot home team and the battle-worn away team.

Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers preview

The red-hot Houston Rockets are riding a six-game winning streak into Monday night's clash with a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad at the Toyota Center.

Despite their injury woes, the Sixers showed some fight in their recent 130-125 win over Dallas, with Quentin Grimes stepping up big time by dropping 28 points and dishing out six assists.

Houston's dynamic duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun has been lighting it up lately - Green's averaging 21.3 points per game while Sengun's been a force with 19.2 points and 10.5 rebounds.

The Rockets' defense has been suffocating opponents, ranking second in the league while holding teams to just 108.8 points per game.

These teams' last meeting was a thriller, with Houston edging out a 122-115 overtime victory back in November, though Philly still holds the upper hand with 8 wins in their last 10 matchups.

The Sixers' backcourt will have their hands full trying to contain Fred VanVleet, who's been quietly efficient with 14.3 points and 5.7 assists per game.

With Houston dominating at home and Philly struggling on the road, this matchup could get ugly fast if the Sixers can't find answers for the Rockets' stifling defense.

Keep an eye on the paint battle - Houston's been crushing it on the boards lately, as evidenced by their 54-36 rebounding advantage in their recent win over Chicago.