It should be pointed out that the Rockets, quite frankly, are the best team playing in the NBA right now (currently in live action with the Nets, up 13-6, and on their way to their 50th straight win). They’ve won six straight games since their “season ended” on Yao’s fractured foot, and they’re winning in a very convincing fashion: Their last 10 wins have been by 10 points or more, and they haven’t come against all patsies.

During their 18 win streak, they’ve beaten New Orleans twice — once at home, once in Mardi Gras — and have also beaten Golden State, Cleveland, Atlanta, Portland, Cleveland, Denver, and Dallas, all of whom are playoff contenders right now. Looking at their schedule (and I’m already chalking up their game against New Jersey tonight as a win), their next loss may just be a few days. They’ve got Atlanta, Charlotte, and then LA and Boston at home. I don’t think you can quite chalk up a W against LA and Boston, but they are home games, the Rockets are hot, and Houston fans are probably pretty fanatical at the moment.

I’d love to see the streak get well up in the twenties, and if it doesn’t, I’d love to see them lose to the Hawks, who, even with Bibby, still stink. I’m going to say the streak ends at Boston, but given my gambling past, I wouldn’t follow my lead.