"It's not being able to go out and play at a high level tonight because my knee is a lot sorer than normal," McGrady said. "It's being cautious. It's one game I'm sitting out and looking forward to coming back and playing the next game. It's all about being able to go out there and contribute and help my team win ball games. I don't think I can be effective going out there tonight the way I feel so I'm going to take the route of not playing. I believe in my team that they can go out and win."

Though he said he thinks he will play Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, McGrady said he will have to determine his availability before each game. In addition to the Rockets doctors, he was examined by Dr. Walter Lowe, with a third examination planned. So far, however, there has been agreement that he can play his way to full strength.

"There is a little discomfort in my knee," McGrady said. "It's still early. I'd rather be healthy later on in the season when we're making a playoff push. Right now, it's not trying to be Superman and try to save the team. I just have to be smart about it for me personally and my future and also what's best for this team.

"The good thing about it is I can't hurt anything. I can't damage it. That's a nice thing. I can't make it worse."

Artest has Indiana jones

Rockets forward Ron Artest, three years removed from his controversial departure from Indianapolis, not only showed no animosity for his former team, he displayed affection for the team and city where he had his greatest NBA seasons.

"Oh, I love Indiana," Artest said before playing the Pacers on Wednesday. "I still live there. That's where my home is. My family, we're all fans of the Pacers and the Colts. My mom still lives there. I can't really see myself playing there. I (was) there for a couple years and (received) one of the highest accolades (Defensive Player of the Year) in the history of the Pacers. Things like that bring nothing but good memories.

"The kids, the wife like it. Indiana's been good to us."

Battier takes on Granger

With Tracy McGrady sitting out Wednesday's game, Shane Battier started his first game of the season and matched up with Pacers leading scorer, Danny Granger, whose average of 23.8 points per game was sixth in the NBA.

"Shane's jumping right into the fire," Ron Artest said. "He's already thinking about defense. ? It's going to be fun to watch us.

"Shane, he knows how to play. We'll be fine. Shane is a good shooter. They got to guard him out there. Same with Tracy, you got to guard Tracy. Shane is not as creative as Tracy is, but he can knock down a shot and he can post up a smaller defender. And on defense, I think he's a better defender than Tracy, if I'm not mistaken. It should work out."