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In what's become a right of spring, the Houston Rockets have finished just outside of the playoffs for the third consecutive year, wrapping up a late lottery pick while teams who finish below them get the first crack at all the top talent in the NBA Draft.
With three wins over Portland, Houston would have the tie-breaker over the Trail Blazers even if they lose, so they are likely locked into the No. 14 pick in the draft for the third consecutive year.
New Orleans, meanwhile, is tied with Sacramento and Cleveland for the third worst record in the NBA at 21-44 and a game ahead of New Jersey and Toronto at 22-43, so they could really use a loss tonight.
For the Rockets, the meaningless game could be a good opportunity to get seldom-used lottery pick Marcus Morris some minutes.
The 7:00 PM game will be broadcast regionally on Fox Sports Houston.
For more on Houston's off-season plans, head over to The Dream Shake while At The Hive has you covered for all things Hornets.