(My Sportsbook) - The Houston Rockets will wrap up their five-game road trip Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center. Houston ended a three-game slide with Wednesday's 89-85 victory over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, as Yao Ming posted 26 points and eight rebounds to help the Rockets end Boston's 13-game winning streak at home. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who are 1-3 on the trip and 11-11 as the visitor this season. Ron Artest scored 17 points and Von Wafer had 12 in the win. Rockets star Tracy McGrady did not play at Boston due to a sore left knee, but is probable for Friday's game. The Rockets will open a five-game homestand after tonight's contest. Oklahoma City has alternated wins and losses over its last five games and suffered a 129-87 drubbing at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday in Minneapolis. Nick Collison tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who got 16 points and 12 assists from Russell Westbrook. Kevin Durant had a season-low nine points in defeat for the 5-31 Thunder, who will try to work on their 4-15 home record Friday night. Houston is 2-0 against the Thunder this season and has won nine straight and 15 of the last 16 matchups between the teams. Oklahoma City has dropped four in a row as the host in this series. |
