2012 NBA standings: Rockets rising in the Western Conference

Currently hitting a tough stretch of their schedule, the Houston Rockets have won two consecutive games and are holding the sixth spot in a top-heavy Western Conference.

At 9-8 overall, the Rockets edged the Utah Jazz, 124-116, on Saturday and took down the struggling Los Angeles Lakers, 107-105, on Tuesday night. These victories came on the heels of a 120-98 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last Wednesday, which snapped a previous three-game winning streak in Houston.

Houston is a half-game above the Jazz in the Western Conference and 1½ games behind the Golden State Warriors for fifth.

The calendar doesn't let up at all for the Rockets, as they will take on their Texas rivals over the weekend. On Friday, they'll be in San Antonio taking on the Spurs. From there, Houston heads back home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday before welcoming the Spurs back on Monday night.

Led by James Harden, who is averaging 23.6 points per game, the Rockets are averaging 103.7 points a night, which is good for third in the NBA.

For a complete look at the standings in the NBA, click here.