The Philadelphia 76ers pulled out a gritty 128-122 overtime win against the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, and it wasn’t just another notch in the win column - it was a statement. Now sitting at 24-19 and holding the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, Philly is starting to look like a team that could make serious noise come playoff time. And if Thursday was any indication, Joel Embiid is back in MVP-caliber form - and maybe even better.
Let’s start with Embiid. The reigning MVP dropped a monster triple-double: 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Brian Windhorst says the 76ers could win the Easter Conference 😳
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 23, 2026
“If you've got [Joel] Embiid playing like this and you've got [Tyrese] Maxey playing like an All-NBA player, and the supporting cast they have, the Eastern Conference is gettable for them.”pic.twitter.com/qz15xmDI5b
But the stat line only tells part of the story. What really stood out?
The minutes. Embiid logged 46 of them - in an overtime game - and looked strong doing it.
That’s not just impressive, that’s encouraging. After years of questions about his durability, seeing him go the distance like that is a huge sign for the Sixers.
He’s not just managing his body - he’s thriving.
And when Embiid is feeling good, you can tell. The dunks are coming back.
The energy is up. Even the social media antics are in full swing - he took a playful jab at former teammate Furkan Korkmaz after the win.
That kind of swagger? It usually means Embiid’s in a rhythm, and when he’s in a rhythm, he’s one of the most dominant forces in the league.
But this isn’t just about Embiid. Tyrese Maxey has been electric this season, and he’s earned his spot as an All-Star starter.
His speed, confidence, and shot-making have elevated him into All-NBA territory, and he’s proving he can be the second star this team has been searching for. The chemistry between Maxey and Embiid is growing, and it’s becoming a real problem for opposing defenses.
When you look at the supporting cast - a group that’s quietly been doing its job - and combine it with the star power of Embiid and Maxey, it’s not a stretch to say the Eastern Conference is wide open. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst put it, the East is “gettable” for the Sixers this year. And he’s not wrong.
Of course, the big question is whether this version of Embiid - the one who’s dunking, dishing, and dominating for 46 minutes - can hold up over the grind of the season. That’s always going to be a storyline with him. But for now, the signs are all pointing in the right direction.
The Sixers will get another test on Saturday when they face the New York Knicks. If Embiid keeps playing like this, and Maxey continues to rise, Philadelphia could be gearing up for a deep postseason run - one that might just shake up the East.