Rockets on fire with 17-game win streak

One thing is certain in the NBA Western conference, it's going to be a fight to the finish. The Houston Rockets expect to give the other contenders a run for their money. Losing the injured Yao Ming for the rest of the year hasn't slowed down the streaky Rockets. They're riding a 17-game win streak. They've come off an impressive 113-98 win over the Mavs on Thursday night. Tracy McGrady fueled the offense, leading his team to a comeback against a conference opponent they had lost their last 10-of-11 meetings against. McGrady churned out 31 points, delivering in the clutch while adding 9 assists.

Houston is coping well without their star center and have achieved a 41-20 mark, placing them 3rd in the Southwest division, 2.5 games out of first. The starting lineup is playing at another level since Yao went on the shelf and believe they can endure the remainder of the season schedule to clinch the playoffs. It's going to be a bummer for those teams in the West who will win 50 games and still won't enter the playoffs. With the defensive strength supplied through starters Shane Battier and Rafer Alston combined with McGrady timely, consistent scoring the Rockets are well on their way to late season success. Houston will be okay if the bench continues to make solid contributions. They will try to extend their win streak against the Hornets on Saturday.