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Houston Rockets: Top 5 must-watch match ups for the 2018-19 season

By Brian K. Patterson

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 25: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets talk during a timeout in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on April 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 25: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets talk during a timeout in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on April 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Jan. 21st: Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers

The Houston Rockets only get to face them twice a year but it has been a damn good match up to watch over the past two seasons as they’ve been loading up on young talent and have been a horrible team for quite some time.  As Sam Hinke continued to reiterate to their fan base to Trust the Process, it appears to be working as this team clinched their first playoff berth in six seasons.

That may not sound like a long time but it would feel like an eternity if one were a fan of the team and yet perplexing because of the weaker Eastern Conference, especially with the departure of LeBron James.

But being able to see our guys battle with rising stars such as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz will make this match up nothing short of amazing.

They also have the oft-reliable and former Houston Rockets undrafted free agent Robert Covington as well as J.J. Redick, Mike Muscala, Thabo Sefolosha and the speedy T.J. McConnell to help fill out their roster.  Covington has carved himself out a terrific niche with the Sixers, going into his 5th season with the team, who will definitely beat the typical odds of how long an NBA player’s career typically lasts with the average length somewhere around five years.

Their one appearance on the road against this team is more appealing to me than the one at home because this game will be the first of a quick, two-game, five-day East Coast swing so we’ll have to see if the travel will have an affect on the team’s readiness.  I suspect not but I’ve seen stranger things happen — like the Northeast’s unpredictable weather in the winter — that can really put a damper in one’s plans.

I fully expect the Sixers to continue to be just as good as they were last season and the Houston Rockets will be taxed in this match up dealing with all of these young, fresh legs to boot.

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