(SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Rockets will try to extend their winning streak to nine games Thursday night when they visit Oracle Arena to face the Golden State Warriors.
The Rockets haven't lost in the month of February and if not for the Memphis Grizzlies, they'd be on quite a roll. Houston has won 11 of its last 13 with both losses coming against its Southwest Division foes.
But the Rockets are rolling and have won four straight as the visitor. The streak continued Wednesday night as they opened a five-game western swing with a 134-108 demolishing of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dwight Howard returned to face Laker nation after a poor 2012-13 campaign in Hollywood and had 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks against his hapless former team.
"We had fun tonight because we're playing great," Howard said. "We went out there and set the tone early. I can't focus on the Lakers. They always find a way to get to the top. I wish I would have been healthier last season, but things happen for a reason."
James Harden contributed a 29-point, 11-assist double-double in Houston's win. Chandler Parsons tallied 18 points, Donatas Motiejunas had 12, and Terrence Jones and Francisco Garcia netted 11 points apiece.
The Rockets could be in good shape to continue the streak considering their recent history with the Warriors. Houston has won both meetings this season, including one in Oakland, has taken seven of eight and 19 of 22.
The Warriors made an early splash around Thursday's trade deadline, acquiring Steve Blake from the Lakers for Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks.
"We saw a deal we thought made sense," said Warrior general manager Bob Myers.
Blake could be in uniform as early as Thursday's matchup with the Rockets.
"The hope would be we could," Myers said of getting Blake in uniform Thursday.
Earlier this season, the Warriors traded for Jordan Crawford to add depth behind Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
On Wednesday, Golden State started the second half with a 101-92 road win over the Sacramento Kings.
David Lee recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the Warriors. Thompson added 18 points and Curry finished with 13 points and eight assists for the Warriors, winners in two of their last three.
"I love the way my guys responded. Took care of the basketball on the road which is a huge step especially in us trying to get better but I thought we really showed a lot of guts," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "They bounced back. They took the lead. We responded, just a total team effort."
The Warriors turned a one-point deficit to start the fourth quarter into a nine-point win.
After hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, the Warriors hit the road for six straight out east.
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