Records: Rockets 12-7, Warriors 5-13.

Key matchup: Jamal Crawford vs. Rafer Alston. Alston got the better of Wednesday's matchup with Baron Davis and has been shooting well from beyond the arc in his past five games. Crawford has gotten off to an outstanding start with Golden State, scoring 40 points in his home debut with the Warriors on Monday.

Rockets update: The Rockets' victory over the Warriors at Toyota Center last season began their 22-game winning streak. With Tracy McGrady also out of that game, Yao Ming had 36 points and 19 rebounds. The Rockets also knocked off the Warriors in March with McGrady playing and Yao out. ... The Rockets are 68-6 when scoring 100 points in Toyota Center.

Warriors update: Even with Monta Ellis injured and suspended, the Warriors are prolific as usual, averaging 106 points per game, second in the NBA.