Houston Rockets Team Report - March 10

(Basketball News) - The Houston Rockets will try for their fourth straight win on Thursday when they continue their five-game homestand against the New Orleans Hornets at the Toyota Center.

On Tuesday, Yao Ming posted 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Steve Francis scored 24 points in Houston’s 90-85 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Maurice Taylor netted 15 points for the Rockets, who won their sixth game in their last eight tries.

Jim Jackson ended with 11 points, while Cuttino Mobley chipped in 10 in the victory.

With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Houston held a four-point advantage at 87-83. Several Clippers attempted shots from beyond the arc in the final minute, but could not find the basket before a Jackson free throw made it 88-83 and Houston held on for the five-point victory.

The Rockets are currently seventh in the Western Conference playoff race, 2 1/2 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies and four games in front of the Denver Nuggets.

Houston, which will be playing the third leg of its stand on Thursday, has won seven of nine and nine of its last 12 games at home and is 23-10 in its gym this season.

The Rockets defeated New Orleans earlier in the season and have won two straight, five of seven and six of the last nine meetings. Houston has also been an unfriendly host to the Hornets, who have just three wins in their 15 visits to the Rockets’ gym.