Despite a spirited fourth quarter comeback, which saw VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes lead the Sixers to a 20-2 run to get them back in the game, Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 on Thursday night to drop the Sixers to 43-37 on the season, a serious blow to the Sixers’ hopes to avoid the play-in tournament.

Playing without Joel Embiid, who had an appendectomy earlier today, the Sixers were led by VJ Edgecombe (21 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists), Tyrese Maxey (23 points, 5 assists), and Quentin Grimes (20 points off the bench) in a losing effort.

The Rockets, who led by as many as 28 points before the Sixers’ furious fourth quarter comeback, got 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists from Kevin Durant, with Jabari Smith Jr (19 points), Amen Thompson (19) and Tari Eason (15) chipping in as well.