Rockets top the Mavericks

 

Harden had a big night for HOU. Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports

After the win over Mavericks, Rockets move to number two in the west

By: Niqko Marshall (@NDMHoops )

The end of the regular season is near, and seeding in the West can be decided by a game or two from now until the end of the season. Before the Dallas game Thursday night the Rockets were tied with the Grizzlies for the second spot in the West.

With a 108-101 victory over the Mavericks, Houston took a one game lead over the Grizzlies for second place in the West and leader of the southwest division. 

As it stands, the race for the second seed in the West may very well come down to the last game of the season. There are about six games left in the regular season, and everyone will count for the Grizzlies and Rockets.

What made the win over the Mavericks so interesting yesterday is that if the playoffs started today the Rockets would see the Mavericks in the first round. If the Rockets somehow end up with the third seed in the West, their matchup would most likely be the defending champion Spurs. 

The West is a tough conference all around but if the Rockets had their pick they would much rather play the Mavericks then the defending champions.

There is also bad blood between the two teams as former Rockets forward Chandler Parsons left the team for Dallas in the offseason. It will certainly make for an entertaining first round series.

Harden led the way for the Rockets with 24 points last night much cooler than the 51 he had the night before. Rockets center Dwight Howard is still working his way back from injury and is currently on a minute restriction. Houston is 52-24 and plays OKC Sunday on ABC.