Houston Rockets Game 16 of 2015-16 Season vs 76ers

Houston Rockets Game 16 of 2015-16 resulted in a victory over the 76ers, but the game was much closer than fans would have liked.

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 16 of 2015-16 versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nov 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley (behind) shoots the ball as Philadelphia 76ers small forward Robert Covington (front) defends during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Therefore Houston hopes their free agent additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for October 26th opening night versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 16 – 76ers

Pregame Analysis:

Entering this game the Houston Rockets were still dealing with issues on and off the court, but many thought the winless 76ers offered the perfect elixir. That said there were some telling records the 76ers would tie with another loss:

Tying previous season worst start in franchise history 0-17
Most losses to start a season in the NBA (the New Jersey Nets had owned the record with an 0-18 start in 2009-10)
Most consecutive losses by a major league franchise (Philly tied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL record of 26 consecutive losses with their loss to Boston as per NBA.com with the 76ers currently sitting on

The full pregame analysis article which can be viewed via this link.

Post Game Analysis:

Not much use in celebrating a 2 point win over a winless squad, but at this stage in the season the Houston Rockets would take what they could get. Consequently the team weren’t celebrating, rather they were breathing a sigh of relief for escaping this game with a W. The fact it took 50 points from James Harden only served to highlight the dire situation Houston was in at this point in the season.

SCS post game review offered 3 things learned in the game which can viewed via this link.

Stat Leaders:

James Harden posted 50 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists while Robert Covington was stellar for the 76ers scoring 27 points, grabbed 8 steals and had 5 assists.

NBA.com provides full box score which can be viewed via this link.

Rockets Games vs 76ers in 2016-17

November 14th at home
January 27th in Philly at Wells Fargo Center

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Though the 76ers shouldn’t expect to make the playoffs they certainly will be improved this season. Wins and losses won’t matter as much as developing the myriad of youthful talent Philly will trot out onto the court. And, with so much talent and available cap space GM Bryan Colangelo wills surely be looking to package some of these assets for a star or some veteran talent with winning experience.

Dario Saric and Joel Embiid while not rookies will be deemed as such with one finally arriving from overseas and the latter fully healthy. Coupled with the addition of likely Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons the future looks bright in Philly.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Ben Simmons (1), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (24), Furkan Korkmaz (26)

Round 2: N/A

Incoming Free Agents/trade: