It’s been a few extra days, so it’s time to check with our friends in the Lone Star state.
It’s been a good week for the Houston Rockets, which means it’s been a bad one for the 2026 first-round pick they owe to the Sixers as a result of the Jared McCain trade. Houston rebounded well after starting it as poorly as possible.
They looked to be in a full tailspin when they blew a 13-point lead in overtime to the Minnesota Timberwolves on national television back on March 25. Since then, though, the Rockets
have gotten back on track, winners of their last four.
Three of those were against tanking teams in the Grizzlies, Pelicans and Bucks, but they impressively blew out the New York Knicks during this streak as well.
Of course the winning streak is bad news for the pick they owe to Philadelphia. They would currently be giving the No. 23 overall pick to the Sixers. They are a half game behind the Timberwolves for the 21st pick and tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, Houston’s schedule remains pretty light for the rest of the regular season as well. The Utah Jazz at home on April 3 should be a breeze for them. Playing in Golden State on April 5 could be tricky, as Stephen Curry is reportedly eyeing a comeback, but that will be his first game back in two months.
After that they’ll head down to Phoenix to take on the struggling Suns, who have won just three of their last 10. The Sixers themselves might have the best chance to take one from them on the April 9. They’ll wrap up the regular season with the Grizzlies and Wolves one more time at home on April 10 and 12, respectively.
Before that pick’s position will be set in stone, Sixers fans can get one last chance to get a look at some potential prospects in the Final Four. Arizona featuring Koa Peat and Michigan featuring Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara will square off on April 4 at 8:49 p.m. ET.
