(Best E Casino) - The red-hot Houston Rockets will try to extend their season-high winning streak to 10 games when they host the punchless Miami Heat this evening from the Toyota Center.

Houston posted its ninth straight win with Tuesday's 93-85 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Rafer Alston ended with 22 points, five rebounds and six assists for the Rockets, who are riding the longest winning streak since ripping off nine in a row from March 16-30, 1999. Houston also tied a franchise-record with its ninth straight road win, equaling the mark from the 1993-94 championship season.

Yao Ming had 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks, as Houston improved to 18-3 over its last 21 contests. Tracy McGrady had 17 points and eight assists in a winning effort. Houston is trying to match its longest winning streak since opening the 1993-94 campaign with 15 consecutive victories. That year was the first of back-to-back NBA titles.

The Rockets own a 17-11 mark away from the Toyota Center this season.

Meanwhile, the Heat are an NBA-worst 9-42 this season and have lost nine in a row. In last Thursday's 99-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls in the opener of a short two-game trek at the United Center, Dwyane Wade had 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Heat, who have lost 12 in a row on the road.

Shawn Marion had 23 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort. Miami is just 4-21 away from South Beach this season. The Heat lost 15 in a row from December 25 - January 24 this season.

The Heat recorded a 98-91 victory over the Rockets on November 23 this season at AmericanAirlines Arena. Wade scored 31 points to lead the way. Miami has won five of eight and six of the last 10 meetings.

Miami has lost three of its last four games at the Toyota Center.