ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Rafer Alston, Shooting guard Tracy McGrady, Small forward Von Wafer, Power forward Luis Scola, Center Yao Ming. Bench -- Guard Brent Barry, Forward Carl Landry, Guard Aaron Brooks.
PLAYER NOTES: --C Yao Ming took just four shots in the first 34 minutes, and made just 4-of-9 overall, scoring 14 points with six rebounds.
--F Luis Scola has continued to be the most consistent Rockets player, scoring 18 points with 17 rebounds, making 7-of-10 shots in 36 minutes.
--G Tracy McGrady started rapidly, scoring or setting up 15 of the Rockets' first 17 points, but made just 2-of-11 shots the rest of the way, finishing with a 5-of-15 shooting night and missing all five of his three-pointers, scoring 14 points with nine assists and three steals.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Shane Battier (sore left foot) is out at least until Jan. 10.
--F Ron Artest (sprained right ankle) is day-to-day.
--F Tracy McGrady (sore left knee) is day-to-day.
