The Houston Rockets outlasted the Philadelphia 76ers 113-102 to extend their winning streak to eight games without Joel Embiid on Thursday night.
Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 29 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson added 19 points each.
The Rockets have clinched a postseason berth but are contending with Denver and the Lakers for playoff seeding in the West.
On the other hand, Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points for Philadelphia, and VJ Edgecombe added 21.
The 76ers are fighting for a playoff spot and will be without Embiid indefinitely. He had surgery in Houston on Thursday after being stricken with appendicitis overnight.
Philadelphia has lost its third straight game and is tied with Charlotte for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Rockets led by 23 after three quarters, but Philadelphia used a 16-0 run to get within 101-94 with about five minutes to play.
Durant took charge and made a triple that ended a scoring drought of almost five minutes for Houston.
Aaron Holiday also hit from distance to push the lead to 107-94 with four minutes left.
Houston has stretched the lead to 96-73 at the end of the third before the Sixers finally got going in the fourth.
Both teams will play on Friday night: the Sixers visit the Pacers, while the Rockets host the Timberwolves.
