Rockets Fly By Knicks, NBA Roundup

(New York, NY) -- It was more of the same at Madison Square Garden with the Rockets cruising past the Knicks, 120-96, behind 25 points and nine assists from James Harden. All five Houston starters were in double figures with Dwight Howard tallying a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.

The Rockets have won two in-a-row and three of four. New York's losing streak extended to 14 games as Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire both sat out again. Travis Wear had a team-high 21 points, while Langston Galloway added 19 with four rebounds and three assists.

Blazers Torch Heat

(Portland, OR) -- LaMarcus Aldridge racked up 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Trail Blazers torched the Heat 99-83 at the Moda Center. Wesley Matthews dropped in 18 points and Damian Lillard scored 16 for the Blazers, who have won six of their last seven. Chris Kaman chipped in with 10 points and nine boards in the victory. Dwyane Wade posted 23 points and seven boards to pace Miami, which has lost five of six. Chris Bosh added 18 points, five boards and five assists in the setback.

Hornets Clip Raptors

(Toronto, Ontario) -- Kemba Walker racked up 29 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to help guide the Hornets to a 103-95 victory over the Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Gerald Henderson led all players with 31 points and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist recorded a 10 point 12 rebound double-double as Charlotte won its fourth straight game. The Hornets square off with the Knicks tomorrow.  

Thursday, January 8 Scoreboard

NBA

Charlotte Hornets 103, Toronto Raptors 95

Houston Rockets 120, New York Knicks 96

Portland Trail Blazers 99, Miami Heat 83

Friday, January 9 Schedule (All Times Central)

NBA

6:00 p.m. - Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers

6:30 p.m. - Atlanta Hawks at Detroit Pistons

6:30 p.m. - Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets

7:00 p.m. - Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards

7:00 p.m. - Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder

7:00 p.m. - Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans

7:30 p.m. - Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs

7:30 p.m. - Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks

9:00 p.m. - Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings

9:30 p.m. - Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors

9:30 p.m - Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers