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Harden, Westbrook on display in OKC

Apr 5, 2015 - 10:52 AM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Rockets already have a playoff berth sewn up, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are still waiting for their chance.

The Thunder will host the Rockets Easter Sunday in the opener of a three-game homestand and are one game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

OKC was off Saturday and the Pelicans lost in Portland last night.

Oklahoma City has dropped two in a row and four of five games following a four-game winning streak and lost a 100-92 decision in Memphis to the Grizzlies Friday night. Russell Westbrook scored 18 points to go with seven rebounds and seven assists, while Enes Kanter continued to impress with 24 points and 17 rebounds in a losing cause.

"They're a good defensive team. They fight you for every possession," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "We played solid. They were a little better than us tonight."

Anthony Morrow and Kyle Singler scored 13 points apiece for Oklahoma City, which shot only 41 percent for the game.

Kanter is averaging 20.9 points and 12.6 rebounds in his last 13 games.

The Thunder had a six-game home winning streak stopped Wednesday versus Dallas and will play San Antonio and Sacramento on this homestand. OKC is 27-10 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Houston is in a heated race with the Memphis Grizzlies for both the Southwest Division lead and the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference.

The Rockets are a half-game ahead of Memphis for division bragging rights as well as the second seed in the conference standings.

The Rockets have won two straight, six of seven and 11 of their last 15 games, including Thursday's 108-101 triumph over the rival Mavericks. James Harden followed up a career night with 24 points, six assists and four rebounds to lead Houston.

"In the first three quarters, we would make a run, then give up a run. In that fourth quarter we really wanted to buckle down," said Harden, who is tied with Westbrook for the NBA lead in scoring at 27.5 ppg..

Harden fueled the Rockets' win against Sacramento on Wednesday with a career- high 51 points. Trevor Ariza supplied 19 points with six assists and six rebounds, while Josh Smith added 15 points with 12 rebounds in the latest win.

The Rockets are 24-14 on the road and will close the trip Wednesday against the Spurs.

Houston is 2-0 against OKC this season and has won three straight in this series after losing the previous four, including the playoffs. Harden, of course, was drafted third overall by the Thunder in 2009 before being traded to the Rockets.