Houston Rockets keep playoff hopes alive

The Houston Rockets have kept their hopes of reaching the conference semi-finals alive by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 108-98.

The Blazers took a 3-1 series lead into the game, but fell behind early on in their meeting at the Toyota Center.

Dwight Howard led the charge in the first half before finishing with 22, while Jeremy Lin scored 21 off the bench as the Rockets extended their advantage in the second half.

Damian Lillard gave the Blazers some late hope, cutting the gap to just two points, but a three-pointer from James Harden gave Houston a cushion.

The result ensures that the two sides will play a sixth game on Friday, when Portland will have another chance to clinch the series.