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Rockets go for 22 in a row, target first place vs. Lakers

Mar 16, 2008 - 12:58 PM Los Angeles (45-20) at Houston (45-20) 3:30 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) - Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant will be battling for more than just bragging rights in this one. The Houston Rockets will have the second-longest winning streak in NBA history on the line.

In a battle of two teams tied atop the Western Conference standings, McGrady looks to lead the sizzling Rockets to their 22nd consecutive victory against Bryant and the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers.

Houston - the hottest team in the NBA over the past two-plus months - pushed its winning streak to 21 straight games with Friday's 89-80 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

The 6-7 McGrady carried the load once again with 30 points to help the Rockets own the second-best undefeated streak in NBA history, surpassing the 20-game string by the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks.

Only the 1971-72 Lakers have captured more wins in a row with 33, a fact not lost on McGrady.

"This is pretty remarkable," said McGrady, who is averaging 21.7 points in 20 career meetings against the Lakers. "I'll always remember this. I'm definitely cherishing this moment."

While the Rockets' winning streak has been very impressive, 13 of the wins have come against teams with losing records, including their last three triumphs.

It will get much tougher for Houston, which plays Boston, New Orleans, Golden State and Phoenix in the four contests following Sunday's showdown with the Lakers.

Los Angeles is hoping to bounce back from its disappointing 108-98 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday - allowing Houston to tie things up atop the Western Conference.

To make matters worst for the Lakers, center Pau Gasol injured his left ankle, forcing the former All-Star to watch from the sideline Sunday.

"It swelled up pretty good," Gasol said. "We'll know more (Saturday). We're going to make sure there's no damage to the ligaments, at least not too bad. I hate sitting out ... I want to be back as soon as I can."

Houston coach Rick Adelman hopes his club can provide a better defensive approach against Bryant, who is averaging 37.5 points in both of the Lakers' wins over the Rockets this season.