Houston • Eric Gordon scored 30 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 116-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
James Harden returned to Houston's lineup after missing seven games with a left hamstring strain and finished with 10 points on 3-for-15 shooting in 26 minutes. Houston went 4-3 in his absence.
Chris Paul had 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Clint Capela added 20 points for the Rockets. Houston has won 15 of the past 17 meetings with Minnesota, including a 10-game winning streak at home.
76ers 89, Celtics 80 • In Boston, Joel Embiid celebrated his first NBA All-Star selection with 26 points and matched a career best with 16 rebounds, leading the 76ers to the road win.