How? How did the Philadelphia 76ers lose to the Houston Rockets 132-123 on a night when James Harden returned to the Sixers' starting lineup after (allegedly) healing from a foot injury? How did the Sixers lose to a Houston Rockets team that (before tonight) had six wins on the season? Why did this team with Harden returning to the lineup with Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris (who quietly had another VERY GOOD game) need double overtime only to lose by nine in a game where they should have beat the brakes off a young, inexperienced team? There are no words to describe tonight’s loss, but your hosts Adio Royster and David Early will attempt to rationalize it as best they can. The Rockets won this game. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. They controlled the pace after falling behind 10-0 to start the game. The Rockets outrebounded the Sixers. They played harder than the Sixers. They had more heart than the Sixers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices