Harden finished with a game-high 33 points along with seven assists. Jeremy Lin donated 18 points and six assists while Omer Asik added 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets, which improved to 9-2 in its last 11 home games.

"James is kind of the head of the spear," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. "He's the guy that takes us out and gets us going."

Nick Young scored 21 while Dorell Wright added 20 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sixers, who are on a five-game losing streak.

Philadelphia point guard Jrue Holiday missed his fourth straight with a foot injury.