Sixers-Rockets preview: Containing Harden, Gordon is a must

Monday at 8 p.m., at the Toyota Center

The Rockets are looking to sweep this season's series against the Sixers. A lot of that will depend on the performance of their solid backcourt of James Harden and Eric Gordon.  Harden is one of the league's elite players.. He's playing point guard while Chris Paul is sidelined with a knee injury. Gordon likely will have another big game against the Sixers if they focus too much on Harden. Starting small forward Trevor Ariza and reserve post player Nene are available to play after missing the teams' last meeting with injuries

Rockets (5-2)

1 Trevor Ariza SF 6-8 6.0 ppg 4.8 rpg.

33 Ryan Anderson PF 6-10 12.6  ppg. 6.1 rpg.

15 Clint Capela C 6-10 13.7 ppg. 10.7 rpg.

10 Eric Gordon SG 6-2 24.8 ppg. 3.3 apg.

13 James Harden PG 6-5 25.6 ppg. 9.6 apg.

Coach: Mike D'Antoni (14th season, 515-455)

Injury report:  Chris Paul (left knee injury, out).

Sixers (2-4)

9 Dario Saric PF 6-4  6.7 ppg. 4.0 rpg.

33 Robert Covington PF 6-9  15.0 ppg. 1.3 spg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 20.6 ppg. 10.2 rpg.

0 Jerryd Bayless SG 6-3  11.8 ppg. 1.3 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.5 ppg. 9.5 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 77-257)

Injury report: Richaun Holmes (left wrist fracture rehabilitation, out);J.J. Redick (lower-back tightness out); Markelle Fultz (shoulder soreness, out)

The Rockets hold a 72-68 series advantage. They have won the last eight and 10 of the previous 12 meetings. Gordon hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Rockets a 105-104  victory at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday. Houston ended the game on a 9-0 run as the Sixers failed to score in the final 3 minutes, 4 seconds. Gordon finished with a game-high 29 points to go with five assists. He made 5 of 16 three-pointers. Harden had 27 points, a game-high 13 assists and eight turnovers. Redick paced the Sixers with 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 3 for 8 on three-pointers. Embiid had 21 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Covington had 20 points, making 4 of 12 three-pointers, and  Simmons finished with 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Wednesday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Atlanta Hawks vs. Sixers

Friday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Indiana Pacers vs. Sixers

Nov. 7: 9 p.m., at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Sixers vs. Utah Jazz

Nov. 9: 10 p.m., at Steep Train Arena, Sixers vs. Sacramento Kings

Nov. 11: 8:30 p.m., at Oracle Arena, Sixers vs. Golden State Warriors