The Houston Rockets (44-25) overcame a 25-point deficit and escaped with a 144-137 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers (23-45) on March 18.
Houston Rockets Top Performers:
Jalen Green 30 PTS | 7 REB | 13 AST | 62.9 FPS
Green faced some struggles on offense but still delivered his best scoring performance in recent weeks. After a rough start to the month, he’s turned things around, scoring 20+ points in four straight games, including three with 25+ points. He’s also stuffing the stat sheet with strong rebounding and defensive numbers and even had his best playmaking performance of the season—though that might be an outlier. With a favorable schedule ahead, he’s in a great spot to keep the momentum going.
Dilon Brooks 25 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 48.7 FPS
Brooks has been a steady scorer this month, reaching double figures in all nine games, though he’s reached 25 points just twice. He also had a much more significant impact today, delivering a full stat line. However, his contributions outside of scoring have been too inconsistent.
Jabari Smith Jr. 30 PTS | 8 REB | 2 STL | 46.1 FPS
Smith thrived against the Sixers’ small-ball lineup, delivering his best scoring performance of the season. His improved three-point shooting played a major role, knocking down five today after going just 1-for-13 in previous games. While he’s unlikely to produce numbers like this consistently, he should remain a valuable contributor off the bench.
Tari Eason 21 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK | 34.1 FPS
Eason has been a strong two-way player lately, with noticeable improvements on offense. He has tallied six threes and gone 9-for-11 from the line over his last three games after failing to contribute in those areas during a recent two-game stretch. He also continues to excel as a rebounder. However, his availability remains a concern, and his numbers may dip with Thompson nearing a return.
Alperen Sengun 13 PTS | 11 REB | 5 AST | 29.7 FPS
Sengun had a challenging outing today. He was ineffective in the matchup, struggled with foul trouble and turnovers, and recorded his worst scoring and overall production this month. However, he came through in the clutch, tying the game late and delivering in overtime. He finished with his fourth double-double in his last five games and his 40th of the season.
Philadelphia 76ers Top Performers:
Quentin Grimes 41 PTS | 8-14 3PT | 13 REB | 70.6 FPS
Grimes has kept his hot streak going, delivering his career-high and his second 40-point game this month. He has been racking up impressive numbers lately, including scoring at least 25+ points and recording two or more steals in five straight games. However, what stood out today were his eight three-pointers and 13 rebounds. He is expected to continue handling a heavy workload due to the team’s many injuries, and his performance today against a top defensive team is a good indicator of his capabilities.
Jared Butler 21 PTS | 5 AST | 2 STL | 38.9 FPS
Butler has played a significant role in his last six games for the depleted Sixers. His scoring has been up-and-down but he’s been steady as a playmaker and has also made good contributions on the defensive end. He could be a good streaming option, especially if you need assists.
Justin Edwards 18 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST | 30.6 FPS
Edwards should play plenty of minutes from now on, with Paul George out for the season. He can score and provide some value in rebounding and defense, though his consistency is a bit of a concern.
Jalen Hood-Schifino 12 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 24.3 FPS
Hood-Schifino has been a strong scorer in the G-League and has made it evident in the last two games, posting double-digit points with efficient shooting from the field and three. With the team’s injury issues, he should continue to have a solid role for the rest of the season.
Oshae Brissett 11 PTS | 5 REB | 2 BLK | 22.0 FPS
Brissett has emerged as a dependable contributor, scoring in double digits with efficient shooting while also recording two stocks in each of his last two games. He stepped into the starting lineup today with another player sidelined but wasn’t able to fully capitalize. However, he could still be a decent streaming option, but it’s best to monitor him for now.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Fred Vanvleet 3 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST
VanVleet’s offensive struggles have been evident lately, and continued today with another rough shooting performance after scoring 23 in his previous game. However, he made up for it in other areas, recording four stocks. He has also remained a well-rounded contributor, averaging six rebounds and five assists over his last three games.
