NBA game roundup: Rockets dominate depleted Spurs

HOUSTON — Behind a dominating performance from center Dwight Howard, the Houston Rockets jumped on the short-handed San Antonio Spurs early and never relented, rolling to a resounding 98-81 win on Thursday night at Toyota Center.

Howard paired 32 points with 16 rebounds and ran roughshod over a San Antonio frontcourt lacking center-forward Tim Duncan (rest) and center Tiago Splitter (calf).

The big man combination of Aron Baynes and Jeff Ayres proved no match for Howard, who set out to control the interior action regardless of what personnel decisions the Spurs made.

Backup point guard Cory Joseph finished with a team-high 18 points for San Antonio. Baynes (12 points, 12 rebounds) and guard Danny Green (10 points) paced the San Antonio starters.

James Harden totaled 20 points, six rebounds and six assists although he also committed eight turnovers for Houston.

Trail Blazers 108, Mavericks 87

PORTLAND — Forward LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Portland rolled to a 108-87 victory over Dallas at the Moda Center.

Guard Damian Lillard contributed 18 points, six assists and five rebounds for Portland.

Forward Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 17 points, but managed only two points in the second half.