Bodog Beat

Tracy McGrady powers the amazing Rockets to yet another win. (AP Images)

Okay, this is getting ridiculous.

Betting on the Houston Rockets shouldn’t be sure money. Not more than three months ago the Rockets were a mediocre NBA team. Now, they’ve won 18 straight games, setting a franchise record and solidifying themselves as legitimate title contenders.

Tracy McGrady scored 41 points and added nine assists on Saturday night as the Rockets dispatched the New Orleans Hornets, 106-96, in Houston. The Rockets also covered the point spread, which favored them by six.

The streak is the fourth longest in NBA history. Even though the Rockets have been without Yao Ming since he suffered a season-ending leg injury last month they keep improving. Saturday’s win marked the ninth straight time they’ve won a game by double digits.

In other NBA action on Saturday:

Cleveland 103, Indiana 95: LeBron James scored 38 points for the Cavaliers, who won as seven-point favorites at home. The game was played before only about 10,000 fans because of the brutal winter storm that’s struck the northeast and midwest.

Dallas 111, New Jersey 91: Jason Kidd had three points and 13 assists in his first game against the Nets since being traded last month. Dirk Nowitzki led host Dallas with 34 points. The Mavericks were favored by 14.

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