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Red-hot Rockets seek 18th win in a row

Mar 8, 2008 - 2:11 PM New Orleans (42-19) at Houston (41-20) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) - The surging Houston Rockets will get another test on Saturday when the Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets come calling.

The Rockets enter riding a franchise-best 17 consecutive wins and are just 2 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers (44-18) for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Last time out, Tracy McGrady had 31 points and nine assists and Rafer Alston scored 24 in Houston's convincing 113-98 victory over Dallas on Thursday.

"We all believe, man," McGrady said. "When you've got a roster full of guys that really believe in themselves, great chemistry among the team, and we go out and play extremely hard every night, I'm not surprised."

Paul, who has become an MVP candidate, seeks revenge as the Hornets look to bounce back after suffering a 20-point blowout by the Rockets at home on February 22.

Behind 25 points and 16 assists from Paul, New Orleans picked up its fifth win in six tries with Friday's 107-96 triumph over the New Jersey Nets.

The win also kept the Hornets within striking distance of the defending champion San Antonio Spurs (43-18) for the top spot in the Southwest Division.