Rockets 'Challenge Scenarios for Monday

Los Angeles Lakers advanced Kobe Bryant center, after-effects to the army as he leaves the bold as Houston Rockets bouncer James Harden right, applauds abreast the end of the additional bisected of NBA bold activity at the Toyota ... more

The Rockets backward animate for the No. 8 atom in the Western Appointment afterwards their win over the Lakers on Sunday.

All three contenders for the final two playoff spots in the West are in activity tonight: Houston is at Minnesota at 7 p.m., and Utah hosts Dallas at 8 p.m.

Here's what can appear tonight:

--Dallas clinches a playoff atom with a win OR a Houston loss.

--Utah clinches a playoff atom with a win AND a Houston loss.

--The Rockets are alone with a accident AND a Utah win.

If the Rockets are to accomplish the playoffs, they charge the following:

-- Houston goes 2-0 to accomplishment at 41-41 AND Utah loses already or Dallas loses twice.

-- Houston goes 1-1 to accomplishment at 40-42 AND Utah loses twice.

The Rockets authority tiebreakers over both Dallas (better analysis record) and Utah (better appointment record).

The actual schedule:

Monday

--Houston at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

--Dallas at Utah, 8 p.m.

Wednesday

--Sacramento at Houston, 7 p.m.

--San Antonio at Dallas, 7 p.m.

--Utah at LA Lakers, 9:30 p.m