It’s quite rare that one of my predictions about the Rockets actually comes true. But after disposing of the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, the hometown team is going for its 13th win in a row tonight (and their 17th in their last 18 games) against the Washington Wizards at the Toyota Center.

Dave Berri breaks down one of the main reasons for the Rockets’ streak. Turns out that the best NBA rookie from Texas this season may very well not be former UT star Kevin Durant.

Update: As usual, I spoke too soon. The Rockets’ surge just hit a very large speed bump this afternoon. All-Star center Yao Ming is out for the season with a stress fracture in his foot. Dave Berri already assesses the probable impact on the Rockets’ season.