Matchup History
After the 1981-82 season, the 76ers and Houston Rockets the teams agreed to a sign-and-trade, sending NBA MVP Moses Malone to Philadelphia, marking perhaps the most important moment in the history of the franchise and definitely the most memorable moment between these teams. With "The Chairman of the Boards", the Sixers were able to avenge an NBA Finals loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, capturing the team's most recent of three titles. His #2 jersey now hangs from the rafters in The Center among a litany of other legends, including two from that championship team, Maurice Cheeks and Julius Erving.
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, the decades-long rivalry is just about even, with the 76ers winning the only postseason series in which the two faced off (1977). All-time, the Sixers lead the Rockets 78-77 in their 155 regular game history. Notable head-to-heads, like Allen Iverson vs. Tracy McGrady, have come and gone.
In recent years, the Sixers swept the Rockets during the 2023-24 season. For a belated holiday gift, the 76ers nabbed a four-point victory in Houston on December 29. In their second and last matchup of that season, the Sixers defeated the Rockets 124-115 at home. Joel Embiid led in scoring for Philadelphia with 41 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his 30-10 streak.
The 76ers squared off with the Rockets twice during the 2024-25 season, both games ending in overtime losses. The first encounter took place on November 27, when the Sixers hosted Houston and fell by seven points. Tyrese Maxey impressed with a standout performance, scoring 39 points. The second meeting occurred on March 17 in Houston, where the Sixers once again lost by seven points. Quentin Grimes recorded an electric career-high 46 points in the overtime thriller.
The 2025-26 season features two matchups between the Sixers and Rockets, the first on January 22 in South Philadelphia. The 76ers travel to Houston to face the Rockets in a late season matchup on April 9.
Get tickets today to see the Sixers host the Rockets on January 22!
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