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Rockets try to extend winning streak against Nets

Dec 22, 2008 - 3:50 PM Houston (18-9) at New Jersey (13-13), 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets have felt right at home on the road - at least against the Eastern Conference. They will try to run that record to 4-0 against the East on Monday night vs. the New Jersey Nets.

The Rockets previously upended Orlando, Miami and Washington on their respective home floors - and now get a chance to take on one of the worst home teams in the league. The Nets are just 5-9 at the IZOD Center this season.

Their most recent setback was Saturday's 106-103 home defeat to Miami, as Dwyane Wade poured in 43 points and New Jersey guards Devin Harris and Vince Carter combined to shoot just 10-of-29.

While the Nets have surged into the playoff discussion, they have done so largely on the strength of their performance away from home. They have won eight of 12 road games while falling at home to the likes of Washington, Golden State and Indiana.

The Rockets are riding a three-game winning streak and have won seven of nine overall to pull into a tie atop the Southwest Division. They nearly blew a big lead in Saturday's meeting with Minnesota, as Randy Foye and the Timberwolves erased an 18-point lead only to fall short in the end. Houston survived, 109-102, behind Tracy McGrady's 23 points and Aaron Brooks' 18-point, 10-rebound performance.

Defense has again carried the Rockets, who are among the league leaders in points allowed (93.9) and opponents' field-goal percentage (43.9 percent).