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Rockets return home to face Hornets

Nov 15, 2008 - 11:23 AM New Orleans (5-3) at Houston (5-4) 8:30 p.m. EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets are happy to be home.

After a five-game road trip, the Rockets return to the Toyota Center on Saturday to face the New Orleans Hornets in a showdown between two of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Houston appeared burnt out from four straight road games on Friday as they let a late lead slip away. After taking a 14-point advantage with 7:37 left, the Rockets were outscored 21-5 down the stretch as the San Antonio Spurs claimed a thrilling 77-75 victory. The loss dropped Houston to 2-3 during its swing.

The Rockets hope for a better performance at home, where they are 2-1 after dropping a 103-99 decision to the Boston Celtics in their last game there on November 4.

The Hornets wrapped up their three-game homestand with an impressive 87-82 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, who entered the game after winning four straight games.

Chris Paul scored 17 points and added nine assists, helping New Orleans claim the win after dropping three of its previous four.