The (relatively) young guns, unencumbered by overbearing coaches and teammates, are playing with verve and zest and joy. Against all odds, it's fun to go down to the Xfinity Mobile Center.

Embiid totaled three points and three assists — and missed the potential game-winning three-pointer — in the fourth quarter of the Sixers' 109-108 loss Friday night.

The Rockets, who are averaging 30.8 3-point attempts per contest, 27th in the NBA, typically elect to use a bigger lineup. Four of Houston's five starters on Wednesday in a 139-121 victory over the ...