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Playoff-bound Rockets face fading Hornets

Apr 14, 2007 - 3:21 PM New Orleans (37-42) at Houston (50-29) 8:30 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets are trying to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The New Orleans Hornets are just trying to get into the postseason.

After a successful road trip, the Rockets will look for their seventh win in 10 games Saturday when they host the Hornets.

Houston won all three games on its road trip, including a 99-95 victory over Portland on Wednesday. Tracy McGrady had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Yao Ming added 27 points and 12 rebounds.

The superstar duo pushed the Rockets one game ahead of slumping Utah (49-30) for the fourth-best record in the West with three contests left. The squads will meet on April 18 in the final game of the season for both.

Houston will look to continue its impressive play against the Hornets, who are holding on to slim playoff hopes. They are two games behind Golden State (39-40) and the Los Angeles Clippers (39-40) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

The Hornets suffered a 107-105 loss to Denver on Friday. Chris Paul, David West and Devin Brown all had chances to tie or give their squad the lead on the game's final possession, but missed shots.

The Hornets played what could be their final home game in Oklahoma City on Friday. They are expected to return to New Orleans on a full-time basis next season.

Starting a season-ending three-game road trip, the Hornets will look for their fourth straight win over the Rockets this campaign.