Spurs roll into Houston

This is the third meeting of the season between the Southwest-Division rivals. In the two previous contests, the Spurs picked up a pair of wins on their homecourt.

San Antonio has won four straight in this series. The Spurs have lost two straight after winning their last three at Houston.

The Rockets are scheduled to host the Spurs on April 19th in the fourth and final meeting of the campaign between the squads.

Houston plays the third of a four-game homestand. On Wednesday, Dirk Nowitzki poured in 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Rockets, 95-81, at the Toyota Center.

Yao Ming led all scorers with 36 points in the loss to Dallas for the Rockets, who five of their last nine games overall. Yao also grabbed 12 boards, while Rafer Alston netted 18 in defeat.

Houston is still without All-Star forward Tracy McGrady, who is sidelined with an ailing back. The Rockets are just 13-20 at the Toyota Center this season. They are scheduled to host the Clippers on Monday.

Meanwhile, San Antonio notched its third straight win with Friday’s 108-102 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Nazr Mohammed tied a career-high with 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a battle at the AT&T Center. Tim Duncan posted 20 points and 13 boards, while Manu Ginobili added 14 points and five assists for the Spurs.

Duncan and Ginobili may rest for Saturday’s meaningless game.

The Spurs are one-half game behind the idle Dallas Mavericks in the hunt for the best mark in the Southwest Division and the Western Conference. San Antonio went 3-1 on the homestand and will hit the road for Houston.

San Antonio is 3-1 in its last four road games and 22-10 as the visitor this season.