It Gets Harder For Houston

Today, the Houston Rockets will look to extend their 21-game winning streak to 22 against co-Western Conference leader, Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they will be without power forward Pau Gasol, but if there is any team that really doesn't give a darn, it's the Rockets, who have won nine straight games without All-Star center Yao Ming.

However, there won't be a lack of stars as Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady will still be lacing them up for today's matchup. Bryant, a seemingly renewed player this season, especially considering he allegedly wanted to be traded before the season, has upped his level of "team play" while still maintaining his high level of "individual play." It helps that he genuinely likes playing with Gasol.

For McGrady, he has creeped up into the discussion of who the MVP of this season should be, leading the Rockets on this unexpected streak with Yao out injured. How far though can the Rockets go? It seems unlikely they will reach the all-time record held by the 1971-72 Lakers' (33 straight W's). It would only seem appropriate if Kobe and the rest of this season's Lakers teams end the streak, wouldn't it?

But, even if the Lakers don't end it today, look to see who the Rockets face in the upcoming week: they host the Boston Celtics, and then visit the New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and the Phoenix Suns. Tough week, indeed. However, if they do sweep the week and extend their streak to 26 games, next up would be head coach Rick Adelman's former team, the Sacramento Kings. Victory would be sweet for either coach or organization then.

But, one game at a time... one game at a time.