Houston never won more than two straight games in 2007, and even failed to take advantage of matchups with the lowly Chicago Sky. A couple of runs this season suggest the Comets might be poised to return to the playoffs.

In their last game before the Olympic break, the Comets look to win their fifth straight and extend a seven-game home winning streak when they face the Sky on Saturday night.

Houston (13-12) struggled last season, going 13-21 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Comets lost both of their games against the Sky (8-16), who went 14-20 and finished last in the Eastern Conference.

After losing its first five contests of this year, Houston seemed to be headed for another lost season. But the Comets have matched a season high with four straight wins, becoming a playoff contender in the competitive Western Conference.

Houston is averaging 86.0 points during its winning streak, and has a chance to win five in a row for the first time since May 23-June 4, 2006. The Comets also have won seven straight at home, where they are 10-2 on the season.

With the WNBA set for an Olympic break, this will be Houston's final contest until Aug. 28 at Seattle. So the Comets will have to wait a while to try and carry over any momentum they have built up.

Houston had yet another strong game on offense Thursday night, beating Detroit 79-61.

Tina Thompson had 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Comets. She's averaging 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds while making 84.6 percent of her free throws.

Roneeka Hodges, meanwhile, had a season-high 18 points, going 6-for-12 from 3-point range, and added four assists off the bench. She was signed to a seven-day contract on July 5, but Houston locked her up for the remainder of the season on July 16 and she has seen her playing time increase.

Chicago struggled on offense in its last game, shooting 42.6 percent in a 78-67 loss to San Antonio on Thursday.

"It seems like we can't stop one mistake turning into three," Sky coach Steve Key said. "And against a good team, one mistake turning into three is six points or eight points or nine points. The next thing you know it goes from a two-point game to a 10-point game."

Candice Dupree scored 20 for Chicago. The third-year forward is averaging a career-high 16.7 points and 8.6 rebounds.