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The Houston Rockets are playing for a spot in the playoffs when they close the season against the Sacramento Kings. Join The Roar for live scores from 10am (AEST).
The Rockets have been inconsistent all season, but find themselves locked in a race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Of course, that sets up a series against the Golden State Warriors – a near-impossible mission.
The Mavericks’ recent winning streak has seen Dallas jump up into seventh and confirmed their qualification for the playoffs. The Rockets meanwhile, are tied with the Utah Jazz at a record of 40 and 41.
A win confirms qualification for the Rockets though, even if Utah manage to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, due to the Rockets controlling the season series. This means that if both teams lose, likewise the Rockets will qualify.
Houston have made life hard for themselves though, as while Dallas have pulled away with wins, the Rockets have fallen to both Dallas and Utah in the last month, and suffered a loss to the lowly ranked Phoenix Suns last week.
The Kings meanwhile, sit tenth place – a distant seven games back from Houston in eighth. Despite all that, they are showing signs of life at the back end of the season, having won two games in a row, against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns.
Losses have littered their season though, and with injuries an all-too-common occurrence, they have struggled to stay in touch with teams ahead of them.
James Harden is the key to this game. The Rockets will aim for a high scoring, outside game, and with plenty of Kings guards suffering injuries – Rajon Rondo among them – they have to get an inside game through DeMarcus Cousins.
The Kings are a poor side defensively though, and Houston will look to light that up.
In terms of season series, the Rockets are up two games to one, however the Kings won the last game at home by 10.
Prediction
The Rockets have way too much to play for here, and on the back of James Harden will get the job done.
Rockets by 9.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores from 10am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own thoughts in the comment section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
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