ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Aaron Brooks, Shooting guard Ron Artest, Small forward Shane Battier, Power forward Luis Scola, Center Yao Ming. Bench -- Guard Kyle Lowry, Guard Von Wafer, Forward Chuck Hayes, Guard Brent Barry.
PLAYER NOTES: --C Yao Ming had his second-consecutive poor shooting game, making just six of 16 shots. Despite his struggles, he finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocked shots.
--F Shane Battier was the one Rockets player that shot consistently well throughout the game, making 5-of-9 shots, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, with five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
--G Ron Artest forced his offense most of the game, making just 5-of-22 shots to score his 12 points. He did, however, get 11 rebounds and seven assists.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--Carl Landry (gunshot surface wound, left calf) is out.
--Tracy McGrady (microfracture, left knee) is out.
--Joey Dorsey (plantar fasciitiss) is out.
