Philadelphia 76ers: 3 most notable games on NBA Disney schedule

1. Houston Rockets (August 14)

The Sixers finish the season with a third game in four nights, only one night removed from facing Toronto. While the schedule starts easy, the final games will provide a considerable test. Not to mention, the final games will likely go a long way to cementing the Sixers’ final seed. These games will matter.

Houston is currently sixth in the West and, like the Sixers, has a lot of room to move up in the standings. Unlike Toronto, it’s doubtful the Rockets will rest starters, even in the season’s final game. This should mark an epic conclusion to the season — an entertaining matchup between two controversial yet talented groups.

The Sixers have leaned on size all season, and while Al Horford may no longer start, the Sixers are still bigger than most other teams. The Rockets have done the opposite and leaned into small-ball, with a starting frontcourt of P.J. Tucker and Robert Covington. This is a game of clashing styles.

The Rockets will space the floor, and by extension, force Embiid to patrol outside the paint. Houston provides death by a thousand cuts. It’s all threes and layups, with a focus on pick-and-rolls, dribble penetration, and spot-up jumpers. James Harden and Russell Westbrook are a mean backcourt duo, and it’s certainly not the best matchup on paper for Philadelphia.

On the other hand, Houston has approximately zero players who can defend Embiid. Tucker and Covington are brilliant defenders, but the Sixers possess a blend of size and physicality that could overwhelm them. Simmons is one of the best James Harden defenders in basketball, and by the Sixers’ final regular season game, he may be back to full speed.

The Sixers could certainly end the season with a bang, but a third game in four nights is never conducive to fully effective basketball. These final eight games be a grind and a slog at times. Teams haven’t played in three months. This game in particular could be the Sixers’ sloggiest.