They already have won once in Houston, a 96-86 decision in November to take the sting out of Houston's 10-point win in the season opener at Dallas. Yao Ming did not play in the Mavericks' win. ... The Mavericks have won 19 of the last 26 meetings, including four in a row at Toyota Center. ... They have gone with a shorter rotation since Jason Terry's left hand injury. All five starters played at least 36 minutes Wednesday against New Jersey. ... Only two bench players, J.J. Barea and Brandon Bass, played more than four minutes. ... Josh Howard had 10 rebounds Wednesday, his first double-figure rebound game since Nov. 16.

Scouting the Rockets

They have made significant changes in the last few days. First, they found out Tracy McGrady is out for the season and will have microfracture knee surgery. Then, the Rockets traded point guard Rafer Alston to Orlando and got Memphis' Kyle Lowry and the Orlando's Brian Cook. It was unknown if either would be in uniform tonight. ... Rookie Aaron Brooks probably will start at point guard. ... And, of course, the Rockets still have Yao Ming. "He presents major problems from a scoring standpoint,'' Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said of the 7-6 Yao. "He's terrific. He's a great passer out of the post. He can step out and make mid-range shots. He's top two or three in the league at the center position.''

Eddie Sefko