ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Aaron Brooks, Shooting guard Tracy McGrady, Small forward Ron Artest, Power forward Luis Scola, Center Yao Ming. Bench -- Guard Brent Barry, Guard Aaron Brooks, Guard Luther Head, Forward Chuck Hayes, Forward Carl Landry, Forward Shane Battier.
PLAYER NOTES: --G Tracy McGrady had his best offensive game of the season, leading the Rockets in scoring for the second consecutive game with 26 points. He also had six assists and three steals while making half his shots (9 of 18) for the first time this season.
--C Yao Ming had his worst game since early last season and maybe longer. He made just 4 of 14 shots and since his 11-of-15 shooting night in Dallas has made just 10 of 29 shots. He had just seven rebounds in 28 minutes without an assist or blocked shot.
--F Ron Artest had his first poor game of the season, making just 3 of 16 shots and taking 10 of those shots from beyond the arc.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Shane Battier (bruised right foot) has resumed workouts but still has no timetable to practice or play.
--G Steve Francis (knee surgery) has yet to go through a full practice while rehabilitating after knee surgery last February.
