The Jazz also are expected to play a second preseason game in Europe, believed to be Oct. 9 in either Berlin or Madrid, Spain. To accommodate the trip, the Jazz are planning to open training camp three days early and not travel to Boise, Idaho.

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor could not be reached Monday night.

A story about the London game, for which tickets will go on sale Wednesday, also was posted at www.viewlondon.co.uk . At the current exchange rates, tickets will cost approximately $50 to $370.

?

Foul mood

The last time the Jazz and Rockets played, on March 4, Yao Ming voiced his frustration after an offensive foul against Mehmet Okur sent him to the bench in the third quarter and a charging call against Ronnie Brewer ended his night with 1:23 remaining.

"Every time a defender player is on the ground, even if he just wants to sit down and have a rest, it's my offensive foul," said Yao, who had 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five blocks but played only 30 minutes because of foul trouble.

Yao has fouled out only once in the last nine games and said Monday that things had improved. "I didn't get much offensive fouls since then," he said.

Houston coach Rick Adelman said he wasn't concerned about Yao again being victimized by foul trouble against the Jazz.

"I think it's just something he's going to have to learn," Adelman said. "When you play certain people, they're going to do certain things. Utah has guys who get position and are willing to take the charge, so he's just got to be smart about the way he plays."

The Jazz, meanwhile, have been impressed by the Rockets' climb up the Western Conference standings even after losing Tracy McGrady to microfracture knee surgery and trading starting point guard Rafer Alston to Orlando.

"They have guys to pick up the scoring effort. They have Ron [ Artest ], who's being a lot more aggressive, which is what they need," Deron Williams said.

rsiler@sltrib.com Rockets at Jazz

At EnergySolutions Arena

Time ? 8:30 p.m.

TV/Radio ? TNT, 1320 AM, 98.7 FM

Records ? Jazz 43-26, Houston 47-25

Last meeting ? Jazz 101-94 (March 4)

Line ? Jazz by 5

About the Jazz ? Not only can they gain a game in the standings, the Jazz can split the season series, positioning themselves for a potential tiebreaker edge with a better conference record. ... Carlos Boozer had his best game since returning from knee surgery against the Rockets earlier this month, with 20 points and 17 rebounds.

About the Rockets ? The Rockets beat the Spurs 87-85 Sunday in San Antonio as Luis Scola scored two layups off passes from Yao Ming in the high post. Scola had 19 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in the game. ... Carl Landry is out 1 to 3 weeks after he was shot last week, suffering a surface wound to his left calf. Jazz vs. Houston

At EnergySolutions Arena

Time ? 8:30 p.m.

TV/Radio ? TNT, 1320 AM, 98.7 FM

Records ? Jazz 43-26, Houston 47-25

Last meeting ? Jazz won 101-94 on March 4

Line ? XXXX by X

About the Jazz ? Not only can they gain a game in the standings, the Jazz can split the season series, positioning themselves for a potential tiebreaker edge with a better conference record. Carlos Boozer had his best game since returning from knee surgery against the Rockets earlier this month, with 20 points and 17 rebounds.

About the Rockets ? The Rockets beat the Spurs 87-85 Sunday in San Antonio as Luis Scola scored two layups off passes from Yao Ming in the high post. Scola had 19 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in the game. Carl Landry is out 1 to 3 weeks after he was shot last week, suffering a surface wound to his left calf.