Rockets aim for playoff spot vs. Bucks

Houston could have clinched a postseason berth yesterday with a win and a Golden State loss, but made the Warriors’ results moot when they were defeated by New Orleans/Oklahoma City, 106-94.

However, a Houston victory tonight puts it in the playoffs.

Tracy McGrady poured in 31 points for the Rockets, who had a five-game winning streak snapped. Yao Ming added 16 points, Luther Head 15 and Rafer Alston 12 in the loss.

The Rockets, who are fifth overall in the West, have won five in a row at the Toyota Center and are 25-10 at home this season. Houston next hits the road for a pair of games against the two Los Angeles clubs.

Houston will try to sweep its two-game season series with Milwaukee tonight for the second straight season. The Rockets downed the Bucks, 97-93, in November and have won four in a row over Milwaukee overall.

The Bucks have also dropped six in a row to Houston on the road.

Milwaukee was in action yesterday against Detroit, and was defeated 121-95, at the Bradley Center.

Ersan Ilyasova deposited 21 points, Charlie Bell 17, and Michael Redd 14 for the Bucks, who after winning their first two games under new coach Larry Krystkowiak, have dropped two in a row.

Milwaukee has been depleted by injuries all season and the last-place club will be without Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva the remainder of the season.

The Bucks begin a three-game road trip tonight and will also visit Dallas and Charlotte. Milwaukee has lost 12 of its last 13 as the visitor and is 9-26 overall on the road.