Sixers Drop Third Straight in Loss to Rockets

Philadelphia falls in Eastern Conference playoff race without injured star Joel Embiid

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:41am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the 76ers and Rockets uniforms.The Sixers' playoff push takes a hit as they fall to the surging Rockets without their star center Embiid.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their third consecutive game, falling 113-102 to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. The Sixers were without star center Joel Embiid, who underwent an appendectomy earlier in the day. Kevin Durant scored 29 points to lead the Rockets, who extended their winning streak to eight games and clinched a playoff berth.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Sixers into a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy. Embiid's absence due to the unexpected medical procedure is a significant blow, as he is the team's leading scorer and rebounder.

The details

The Rockets led by as many as 23 points in the third quarter before the Sixers mounted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to five points in the fourth. However, a timely 3-pointer by Durant helped Houston seal the victory. Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points for Philadelphia, while VJ Edgecombe added 21.

  • The game took place on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Embiid underwent an appendectomy earlier on the day of the game.

The players

Kevin Durant

A star forward for the Houston Rockets who scored a game-high 29 points.

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers' star center who missed the game due to an appendectomy.

Tyrese Maxey

A guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 23 points in the loss.

VJ Edgecombe

A player for the Philadelphia 76ers who scored 21 points off the bench.

Jabari Smith Jr.

A forward for the Houston Rockets who scored 19 points.

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What they’re saying

“We struggled for most of the game, but the guys showed a lot of fight in the fourth quarter to make it close. Losing Joel is a big blow, but we have to find a way to keep battling.”

— Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers Guard

What’s next

The 76ers will look to bounce back on Friday night when they visit the Indiana Pacers. The Rockets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on the same night.

The takeaway

The 76ers' loss to the Rockets, coupled with Joel Embiid's unexpected appendectomy, puts their playoff positioning in jeopardy. The team will need to rally around their remaining players and find a way to win without their star center if they hope to secure a postseason berth.