Spurs vs. Rockets Previews

[Indazone]

LETS GO ROCKETS!

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LETS GO ROCKETS!

[Roxsfan]

Let's do this.

[duncan228]

Southwest Showdown: Rockets try to pass Spurs in division

(Sports Network) - The top spot in the Southwest Division is up for grabs this afternoon, as the Houston Rockets try to inch closer to the San Antonio Spurs in a showdown at the AT&T Center.

Houston has won three straight games and sits just a half game behind the Spurs for the lead in the division. It will also visit the Utah Jazz on the quick trek and owns a 17-17 record as the visitor this season. In Friday's 107-88 victory versus Minnesota, Ron Artest led all scorers with 20 points and also had six assists and five rebounds in a winning effort.

Yao Ming had 14 points and eight boards for Houston, which has won seven of nine games overall and got 13 points from both Von Wafer and Aaron Brooks. The Rockets are currently seeded third in the West, a half game behind the Spurs.

San Antonio has alternated wins and losses over its last six games and is coming off Friday's 80-77 setback versus the Boston Celtics.

Tony Parker and Michael Finley combined to miss six crucial free throws down the stretch for the Spurs, who are 1-1 on a four-game homestand and 24-10 in the Alamo City this season. Parker had 25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Tim Duncan returned from a one-game absence (sore knees) to finish with 15 points and nine boards.

The Spurs, seeded second in the West, will also welcome the Golden State Warriors to town on the current homestand. They continue to play without Manu Ginobili because of an ankle problem and he has missed 17 straight games, last playing in a February 11 setback at Toronto.

San Antonio has won two of three against Houston this season, including a recent 88-85 triumph on March 14 at the Toyota Center. San Antonio has won 12 of 17 and 19 of the last 26 meetings with the Rockets, who have lost three straight, 20 of 22 and 27 of its last 31 trips to the AT&T Center.