In the News

Houston Rockets trade center David Anderson to Toronto Raptors
The Rockets have traded center David Andersen to the Raptors for cash and a future second-round draft pick.

Rockets trade C Andersen to Raptors (AP)
The Houston Rockets have traded center David Andersen to Toronto for cash and a future second-round draft pick. The 6-foot-11 Australian averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 63 games last season, his first in the NBA. Andersen helped fill the void for Houston while Yao Ming sat out last season with a foot injury.

Yao: I may quit if foot doesn't heal (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is considering quitting basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his lingering foot injury. In comments to Chinese state media Monday, Yao sounded far from optimistic about his future and also made a rare criticism of China's national basketball program.

Yao: I may quit if foot doesn't heal
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is considering quitting basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his lingering foot injury.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he may retire if foot won't fully recover
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming says he may quit basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his foot injury.

Sources: Allan Houston front-runner to be New York Knicks GM
Allan Houston is the front-runner to be the Knicks next GM, sources said.

Houston GM Daryl Morey: Rockets have roster to make playoff run
The Houston Rockets think they are ready to contend in the Western Conference, even after striking out on the big names in this summer's free-agent bonanza.

Rockets feel ready to contend in West (AP)
The Houston Rockets think they are ready to contend in the Western Conference, even after striking out on the big names in this summer's free-agent bonanza. When their main target, Chris Bosh, opted to join LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami, the Rockets turned their focus to luring center Brad Miller and retaining starting forward Luis Scola and point guard Kyle Lowry.

Brad Miller signs three-year, $15M deal with Houston Rockets
Brad Miller has signed with the Houston Rockets, reuniting the 7-foot center with coach Rick Adelman.

Rockets agree to 3-year deal with Miller
Free agent center Brad Miller has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Houston Rockets.

Rockets, C Miller agree on 3 years, $15M (AP)
Free agent center Brad Miller has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Houston Rockets. The 7-foot Miller averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds for Chicago last season. Miller played in Sacramento from 2003-09, including three seasons playing for current Houston coach Rick Adelman. Agent Mark Bartelstein said in a phone interview on Saturday that reuniting with Adelman was a major...

2010 Free agents: Brad Miller, Houston Rockets agree on three-year, $15 million contract, sources say
Veteran center Brad Miller has agreed to a three-year contract worth nearly $15 million with the Rockets, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Reports: Rockets, Scola agree on 5 years (AP)
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have agreed to terms with restricted free agent Luis Scola of Argentina. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not official and the team had not announced it. Scola's agent, George Bass, did not immediately return a phone message.

Rockets agree to terms with F Scola
Free agent Luis Scola will return to the Houston Rockets after agreeing to terms on a new contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

Report: Houston Rockets agree to deal with Luis Scola
A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have agreed to terms with restricted free agent Luis Scola.

Cavaliers sign G Lowry to offer sheet (AP)
Looking to rebuild without LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed restricted free agent guard Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet. Lowry spent last season with Houston, where he averaged 9.1 points and 4.5 assists in 68 games. The Rockets have seven days to match Cleveland's offer, which a person familiar with the contract said is for three years.

2010 NBA Free Agents: Cleveland Cavaliers sign Kyle Lowry of Houston Rockets to offer sheet
The Cavaliers have signed Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet, his agent said.

Houston Rockets reach deal with top pick Patrick Patterson
The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with first-round draft pick Patrick Patterson.

Rockets make pitch to free agent Bosh
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey met with coveted free agent Chris Bosh in Dallas just after midnight Thursday, making a pitch to an available player at the exact moment free agency opened for the second straight year.

2010 NBA free agents: Houston Rockets make early pitch to free agent Chris Bosh
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey met with coveted free agent Chris Bosh just after midnight Thursday, making a pitch to an available player at the exact moment free agency opened for the second straight year.

Rockets extend offers to Lowry, Scola
The Houston Rockets have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola.

2010 NBA free agents: Houston Rockets give qualifying offers to Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola
The Houston Rockets have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola.

Rockets extend offers to Scola, Lowry (AP)
The Houston Rockets have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola. By making the offers, the Rockets retain the right to match any offers that Lowry or Scola might receive after free agency opens on Thursday. General manager Daryl Morey has said that owner Leslie Alexander wants both players back next season.

Yao coming back to Rockets next season (AP)
A person with knowledge of the decision says All-Star center Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets next season, accepting the player option in his contract. The person did not want to be identified because the team has made no official announcement. KRIV-TV in Houston first reported Yao's decision.

Report: Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he won't opt out of contract
One player who won't be part of the monster free agent class of 2010: Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. As expected, Yao will not exercise the early termination clause in his contract, meaning he'll play at least one more season with the Rockets.

Report: Yao coming back to Rockets
A person with knowledge of the decision says All-Star center Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets next season, accepting the player option in his contract.

Houston Rockets' fans caught up in free agent frenzy
General manager Daryl Morey sent off a caravan of Rockets fans in pickup trucks from the Toyota Center on Monday for a road trip expected to end in the city where Morey will meet with one of Houston's primary free agent targets.

Rockets' free agency caravan rolls (AP)
The Houston Rockets have come up with a unique pitch to lure the big-name free agents hitting the market this week. General manager Daryl Morey sent off a caravan of Rockets fans in pickup trucks from the Toyota Center on Monday for a road trip expected to end in the city where Morey will meet with one of Houston's primary free agent targets.

Report: Houston Rockets aide Elston Turner on Los Angeles Clippers' radar
The Clippers were granted permission to talk to Rockets assistant Elston Turner.

Kentucky has record 5 picks in 1st round (AP)
Kentucky dominated the first round of Thursday night's NBA draft and passed some other powerful college programs with the five players selected. John Wall, the overall No. 1 pick by the Washington Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins, the fifth pick by Sacramento, Patrick Patterson, the 14th selection by Houston, Eric Bledsoe, the 18th pick by Oklahoma City, and Daniel Orton, the 29th selection by...

Chicago Bulls interview Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner for head coaching vacancy
Sources: Chicago Bulls interview Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner for head coaching vacancy.

Yao's wife gives birth to baby girl (AP)
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming is now a father. The 2.26-meter (7-foot-6) Yao and his wife, Ye Li, had a baby girl on Friday at a Houston hospital, team spokesman Nelson Luis said. The couple, who married in August 2007, did not announce the baby's name. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. "I am very excited about the arrival of our daughter," Yao said in a statement.

Brother dies, Pittman leaves combine (AP)
Former Texas center Dexter Pittman has left the NBA draft combine after his half-brother was shot and killed in Houston. Pittman's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the former Longhorns star left the combine in Chicago on Friday to be with his family in Houston. Texas spokesman Scott McConnell said Pittman's high school coach and godfather, Bennett Hatten, told school officials that Darius...

Sixers interview Turner for vacant job
Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner has met with the Philadelphia 76ers to discuss the team's vacant coaching job.

Philadelphia 76ers interview Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner
Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner has met with the Philadelphia 76ers to discuss the team's vacant coaching job.

Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner said he will interview with the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers
Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner said he will interview with the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.

Rockets PG Brooks named most improved (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks has been named the league's Most Improved Player. The 6-foot Brooks set career highs in points (19.6 per game), assists (5.3) and rebounds (2.6). His scoring average went up 8.4 points from 2008-09, the highest increase of any qualifying player. The Rockets finished 42-40, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Speedy Rockets G takes home NBA's Most Improved award
Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks has been named the league's Most Improved Player.

Aaron Brooks of Houston Rockets named NBA's most improved player
Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks has been named the league's most improved player.

Kings exercise option on F Landry (AP)
The Sacramento Kings have exercised a team option on forward Carl Landry to keep him under contract through next season. President of basketball operations Geoff Petrie announced the move Wednesday, a day after Sacramento finished a 25-57 season. Landry was acquired at the trade deadline from Houston.

Yao sets up hotline for quake victims (AP)
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming has set up a hotline to help North American Chinese residents reach family and friends in China following a series of earthquakes there. The latest series of quakes struck Wednesday in a remote, mountainous Tibetan region. At least 589 people have been killed and more than 10,000 are injured.

Bower defends record as Hornets coach (AP)
Jeff Bower uncharacteristically cut short a post-practice interview on Tuesday after asserting that the New Orleans Hornets' many accomplishments this season have gone "unnoticed" and "overlooked." The Hornets held their last practice of a trying season on Tuesday. With one game left at Houston on Wednesday, the Hornets are 36-45 and will miss the playoffs for the first...

Evans reaches 20-5-5 milestone in loss (AP)
The result of the final home game of the year for the Sacramento Kings was secondary. Having Tyreke Evans reach an exclusive milestone was the main goal. Evans achieved that, although not without plenty of trouble, scoring 24 points to join a club that includes only Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the Kings 117-107 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Kings pick up coach Westphal's option (AP)
The Sacramento Kings have picked up the option on the contract of coach Paul Westphal for the 2011-12 season. Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie made the announcement Monday before the team played its final home game of the season against Houston. The Kings are 25-55 with two games remaining in Westphal's first season as coach.

Suns get hot from 3 to pull away from Rockets
Amare Stoudemire had 35 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns used 3-pointers to pull away at the finish to beat the Houston Rockets 116-106 on Sunday night.

Amare helps Suns move into 3rd in West (AP)
Amare Stoudemire had 35 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns used 3-pointers to pull away at the finish to beat the Houston Rockets 116-106 on Sunday night. The Suns made four 3s in a row, two by Channing Frye and one apiece by Steve Nash and Jason Richardson, in a 14-0 run after the Rockets took a 102-100 lead with 3:23 left.

Bobcats' Jackson to play against Pistons (AP)
Charlotte Bobcats leading scorer Stephen Jackson says he'll play against Detroit after sitting out a game to rest his sore right hamstring. Jackson said before Saturday's game that he was feeling "a lot better" after missing Friday's loss in Houston. Jackson has also been slowed by elbow, hand and ankle injuries.

Strained Achilles' tendon sidelines Okur (AP)
A Utah Jazz spokesman says center Mehmet Okur will not play against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left Achilles' tendon strain. Okur had been playing with pain in the tendon for a couple games but left during the third quarter of Utah's loss at Houston on Wednesday night. The teams says the pain remains too much for Okur to play in Friday night's game in New Orleans.

Rockets sign F Johnson from D-League (AP)
The Houston Rockets signed forward Alexander Johnson from the developmental league and waived forward Hilton Armstrong on Friday. The 6-foot-9 Johnson averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds in 22 games with Sioux Falls during the D-League regular season. He was 12th in the D-League in scoring average and was tied for seventh in the league in rebounding.

Adelman gets 900th win in Rockets' rout (AP)
Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin scored 28 points apiece, and Rick Adelman became the 11th coach to reach 900 career victories in the Houston Rockets' 113-96 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Chuck Hayes grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds and Luis Scola added 24 points for the Rockets, who have consecutive victories for the first time since mid-March.

Martin's 29 help Rockets beat Grizzlies (AP)
Kevin Martin scored 29 points, Aaron Brooks added 17 points and seven assists to lead the Houston Rockets to a 113-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Luis Scola also scored 17 points for Houston and Trevor Ariza, Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries added 12 points each. Jeffries, who grabbed 10 rebounds, scored nine of his points in the fourth to thwart a Memphis rally.

Hibbert, McRoberts lead Pacers past Rockets
Roy Hibbert had 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 133-102 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday for their ninth home win in 10 games.

Pacers stay hot at home, beat Rockets (AP)
Roy Hibbert had 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 133-102 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday for their ninth home win in 10 games. Josh McRoberts had a career-high 18 points and tied a career high with 12 rebounds, and Danny Granger scored 18 for the Pacers, who have won seven of nine overall to improve to 29-48.

Toronto Raptors sign former Houston Rockets guard Joey Dorsey for rest of season
Free agent forward Joey Dorsey has signed a contract with the Toronto Raptors through the remainder of the season.

Celtics drop third straight at home (AP)
The division title has already been clinched, and with it a spot in the playoffs. All the Boston Celtics need now is to start playing well. Luis Scola had 27 points and 11 rebounds, making back-to-back baskets in the last 81 seconds, and the Houston Rockets scored the last 10 points of overtime Friday night to beat Boston 119-114 and send the Celtics to their third consecutive home loss.

Scola's back-to-back baskets clip Celtics in OT
Luis Scola had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and made back-to-back baskets in the last 81 seconds of overtime to lead the Houston Rockets to a 119-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Rondo sets Celtics' season assists mark (AP)
Rajon Rondo is the Boston Celtics' single-season assist leader. Rondo came into Friday night's game against the Houston Rockets with 714 assists, one short of Bob Cousy's total in 1959-60. Rondo picked up a pair of assists early in the first, the second to set up Kevin Garnett with 8:45 left in the quarter.

Blazers clinch playoff spot, beat Knicks (AP)
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points before sitting out the final quarter and the Portland Trail Blazers clinched a playoff spot with a 118-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. The Blazers came into the game needing help to reach the postseason. San Antonio defeated Houston 119-102 and Dallas beat Memphis 106-102, meaning all Portland had to do was beat the Knicks to seal it.

Hill's 30 help Spurs top Rockets 119-102 (AP)
George Hill scored a career-high 30 points and led two second-half pushes Wednesday night that helped send the San Antonio Spurs past the Houston Rockets 119-102. Manu Ginobili added 18 points and 10 assists, and Tim Duncan had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who started the night in the No.

Lakers sit Vujacic after coaching run-in
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson says backup guard Sasha Vujacic hasn't played the last two games because of "a little run-in'' with the coaching staff. Jackson says the incident happened during last Friday's game at Oklahoma City. He says Vujacic didn't play at all in the next two contests at Houston and New Orleans because he "hasn't atoned himself for that error.'' Jackson refused Friday to give any more details about the incident. Vujacic says he doesn't know what his coach is talking about. The Lakers are wrapping up a five-game road trip at Atlanta.

Rockets hand Wizards 16th straight loss (AP)
Rookie Chase Budinger hit a go-ahead jump shot with 28 seconds remaining and made two free throws and the Houston Rockets escaped with a 98-94 win over the struggling Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. The win breaks a four-game skid for the Rockets and extends Washington's team-record losing streak to 16 games.

Lakers rebound to beat undermanned Rockets
Pau Gasol scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 109-101 on Saturday night, getting back on track a night after a terrible outing in Oklahoma City.

Lakers bounce back, beat Rockets 109-101 (AP)
Pau Gasol scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 109-101 on Saturday night, getting back on track a night after a terrible outing in Oklahoma City. The short-handed Rockets, playing without Kevin Martin and Shane Battier, stayed with Los Angeles early, but were simply outmanned and soon faded in their fourth consecutive loss.

Shoulder sidelines Houston Rockets guard Kevin Martin vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Houston's Kevin Martin will miss his second straight game because of a sore left shoulder when the Rockets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Clippers stop 11-game road skid, beat Rockets
Craig Smith scored a season-high 25 points and had 10 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Houston Rockets 99-93 on Thursday night to break an 11-game road losing streak.

Clips snap road skid at 11, top Rockets (AP)
Craig Smith scored a season-high 25 points and had 10 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Houston Rockets 99-93 on Thursday night to break an 11-game road losing streak. The Clippers, who hadn't won on the road since Feb. 2, trailed by as many as 11 in the second half before using a big run to take the lead.

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Martin out with sore left shoulder
Houston's Kevin Martin was set to miss the Rockets' game with the Los Angeles Clippers because of a sore left shoulder.

Thunder start fast, cruise past Rockets (AP)
Kevin Durant scored 25 points, James Harden added a spark with 23 points off the bench while returning from an injury and the Oklahoma City Thunder ended a string of futility against the Houston Rockets with a 122-104 victory on Wednesday night. The Thunder got out to a sizzling start and opened a 23-point lead within the first 14 minutes.

Harden returns as Thunder finally beat Rockets
Kevin Durant scored 25 points, James Harden added a spark with 23 points off the bench while returning from an injury and the Oklahoma City Thunder ended a string of futility against the Houston Rockets with a 122-104 victory.

Thunder's Harden returns from leg injury (AP)
Top reserve James Harden was set to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder's lineup Wednesday night after missing the last six games with a strained right hamstring. Coach Scott Brooks says there will be no restrictions on Harden's minutes as the Thunder face the Houston Rockets. Harden is Oklahoma City's top scoring bench player with 9.9 points per game, shooting 38 percent from 3-point...

Houston Rockets lose versatile Shane Battier for at least 10 days with sprained left knee
Houston forward Shane Battier missed the Rockets' game against the Chicago Bulls and is expected to be sidelined at least 10 days with a sprained left knee.

Ex-Knicks step up, lift Rockets by former team
Aaron Brooks scored seven straight points down the stretch and the Houston Rockets got strong efforts from the players they got for Tracy McGrady to beat the New York Knicks 116-112 Sunday.

Rockets beat McGrady, Knicks 116-112 (AP)
Aaron Brooks scored seven straight points down the stretch and the Houston Rockets got strong efforts from the players they got for Tracy McGrady to beat the New York Knicks 116-112 Sunday. Kevin Martin, acquired by the Rockets from Sacramento in the three-team deal that sent McGrady to New York, led Houston with 28 points.

Brooks 7 for 7 on 3s in Rockets' win (AP)
Aaron Brooks' perfect 3-point shooting trumped the Memphis Grizzlies' strong inside game Wednesday night. Brooks set a Houston record by hitting seven 3-pointers without a miss and scored 31 points, and the Rockets snapped the Grizzlies' seven-game road winning streak with a 107-94 victory.

Brooks hit seven 3s as Rockets down Grizzlies
Aaron Brooks set a Houston record by hitting seven 3-pointers without a miss and scored 31 points, and the Rockets snapped the Memphis Grizzlies' seven-game road winning streak with a 107-94 victory Wednesday night.

Brooks, Rockets stun 'Melo, Nuggets
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak.

Rockets rally to end Rockets' 6 game win streak
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak.

Brooks' jumper gets Rockets past Nuggets (AP)
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak. Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points for the Nuggets, but missed a 3-point try at the buzzer. Luis Scola grabbed the final rebound and finished with 23 points and 11 boards.

Nuggets, Rockets in a shootout in Houston


Scola posts 44 points as Rockets get past Nets
Luis Scola scored a career-high 44 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 116-108 on Saturday night to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

Scola's 44 carry Rockets past Nets (AP)
Luis Scola scored a career-high 44 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 116-108 on Saturday night to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. Scola hit 20 of 25 shots, many of them open layups, and reached the highest point total by a Rocket this season. Kevin Martin scored 20, Aaron Brooks added 18 points and seven assists and Houston strung together...

Scola, Martin get Rockets back over .500 (AP)

Luis Scola had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Kevin Martin scored 21 points, and the yo-yo Houston Rockets moved back above .500 Tuesday night with a 96-88 win over the Washington Wizards. The Rockets took the lead for good midway through the second quarter and were hardly threatened in the second half by the Wizards, who have lost four straight and six of seven.

Wizards ink Livingston for 10 more days (AP)
The Washington Wizards have signed guard Shaun Livingston to a second 10-day contract. Livingston initially signed with the Wizards on Feb. 26. He was averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 assists in 9.3 minutes in four games for Washington headed into Tuesday night's game against the Houston Rockets.

Knicks' McGrady sits with soreness (AP)
Tracy McGrady is sitting out the Knicks' game against Atlanta because of soreness. McGrady had played all nine games since New York acquired him from Houston at last month's trade deadline, but decided to rest Monday night in the Knicks' third game in four nights. McGrady is still trying to get in shape after playing only limited minutes in six games in December after returning from...

Pistons break slump with OT win over Rockets
Tayshaun Prince scored a season-high 29 points to help the Detroit Pistons snap a six-game losing streak with a 110-107 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Prince leads Pistons past Rockets in OT (AP)

Tayshaun Prince scored a season-high 29 points to help the Detroit Pistons snap a six-game losing streak with a 110-107 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Richard Hamilton added 22 points for Detroit, while Kevin Martin had 27 points for Houston and Aaron Brooks scored 25. Martin and Brooks, though, both missed key 3-point attempts in the last 10 seconds of overtime.

Detroit Pistons' Rodney Stuckey sits out two days after collapse
Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey missed Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets, two days after collapsing during a game in Cleveland.

Scola double-double lifts Rockets over Wolves
Luis Scola had 25 points and a career-high 21 rebounds and the struggling Houston Rockets righted themselves with a 112-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Rockets ride Scola's 25 and 21 to win (AP)

Luis Scola had 25 points and a career-high 21 rebounds and the struggling Houston Rockets righted themselves with a 112-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. Kevin Martin had 30 points and Aaron Brooks added 25 points and nine assists for the Rockets. The game against Minnesota couldn't have come at a better time for Houston, which had lost five of seven to fall to 10th...

Landry's 22 and 10 get Kings by Rockets (AP)
Carl Landry had 22 points and 10 rebounds against his former team, leading the Sacramento Kings to an 84-81 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Rockets traded the popular power forward to the Kings in a three-team swap just before the deadline in a deal that sent Tracy McGrady to New York.

Yao's baby to be American or Chinese? (AP)

Chinese basketball fans want to know -- will Yao Ming's baby be an American? The Houston Rockets center recently returned to the United States with wife Ye Li. That prompted speculation among his followers that the baby girl due this summer could be born in America. Chinese fans online have said that would be a betrayal of China -- in part because it could deny the country a future star for the...

Martin, Brooks shine as Rockets roll (AP)

Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks scored 28 points each in three quarters and the Houston Rockets rolled to a 116-92 win over the struggling and beat-up Toronto Raptors on Monday night. The Rockets led by 32 after three and both teams played mostly reserves the rest of the way. Houston scored the first five points of the game and never trailed in this one as the Raptors dropped their fourth in a row in...

Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh (ankle) misses 6th straight game
Toronto All-Star Chris Bosh missed his sixth consecutive game on Monday against the Houston Rockets and did not travel with the team because of a sprained left ankle.

Williams' 35 lift Jazz over Rockets (AP)

Deron Williams says he plays better when he's angry. After the Utah Jazz lost Friday night in Sacramento, Williams was steaming mad and took it out on the Houston Rockets. "I felt a lot of motivation. I wasn't happy with the way I've been playing, so I wanted to come out and set the tone early," said Williams, who scored 20 of his 35 points in the first quarter in Utah's...

Williams' 35 direct Jazz to defeat of Rockets
Deron Williams scored 20 of his 35 points in the first quarter and the Utah Jazz routed the Houston Rockets 133-110 on Saturday night.

Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier sidelined with flu-like symptoms
Houston's Shane Battier missed the Rockets' game Saturday night against the Utah Jazz because of flu-like symptoms.

Rockets sink Spurs to snap three-game slide
Kevin Martin had his best game since being traded to the Rockets, scoring 33 points to lead Houston to a 109-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Martin scores 33 as Rockets beat Spurs (AP)

Kevin Martin had his best game since being traded to the Rockets, scoring 33 points to lead Houston to a 109-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Martin finally showed he was the scorer the Rockets were looking for when they acquired him and three others last week in the deal that sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks.

Stomach illness sits San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker vs. Houston Rockets
Tony Parker missed San Antonio's game against Houston on Friday night because of a stomach illness.

Howard tops Shaq's mark en route to Magic win
Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds on a perfect shooting night to help the Orlando Magic cruise to a 110-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Howard has 30 and 16 as Magic cruise (AP)

Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds on a perfect shooting night to help the Orlando Magic cruise to a 110-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Howard scored all of his points in the last three quarters after sitting out all but 22 seconds of the first period after committing two quick fouls.

Mavs sign G Wafer to 10-day contract (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks have signed guard Von Wafer to a 10-day contract. The five-year NBA veteran last played in the NBA for Houston last season. He played in 63 games (11 starts) for the Rockets, and averaged 9.7 points with 1.8 points and 1.1 assists in 19 minutes a game. Since the Los Angeles Lakers made him a second-round pick out of Florida State, Wafer has played in 109 games with the Lakers,...

Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza out for few games with hip injury
Rockets forward Trevor Ariza will miss at least three games with a hip pointer.

Pacers' Granger out for personal reasons (AP)
Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger will miss Monday night's game at Dallas for unspecified personal reasons. Granger's absence came two nights after he scored a season-high 36 points in a 125-115 victory at Houston. He also had seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Granger was out a month earlier this season with a heel injury.

West's 27 carry Hornets over Rockets (AP)

David West scored 27 points, including four in the final 2 minutes, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 102-94 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Darren Collison added 26 points, the fifth straight game he's had 24 or more. His driving floater with 34.6 seconds left put the Hornets up 96-89.

Granger leads Pacers by new-look Rockets (AP)

The Indiana Pacers weren't too impressed with the new-look Houston Rockets. Danny Granger scored 36 points, T.J. Ford led a second-half surge and the Pacers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 125-115 victory over the Rockets on Saturday night. The Rockets, playing their first game with four new players from a three-team trade, led most of the game but the Pacers rallied from nine points...

Granger's 36 hand new-look Rockets big loss
Danny Granger scored 36 points, T.J. Ford led a second-half surge and the Indiana Pacers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 125-115 victory over the revamped Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

New Rockets pass physicals, join team (AP)
The practice almost felt like the start of a new season -- and era -- for the Houston Rockets. New acquisitions Kevin Martin, Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill and Hilton Armstrong passed their physicals and watched their new team work out Friday, a day after Houston acquired the quartet in a three-team swap that sent Tracy McGrady to New York.

Tracy McGrady traded to New York Knicks in 3-team deal, sources say
The Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks have agreed to terms that will expand the Houston-Sacramento deal into a three-way trade that lands Tracy McGrady with the Knicks, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources: Houston Rockets agree to acquire Sacramento Kings' Kevin Martin
The Rockets have reached agreement to acquire Kevin Martin from the Kings, sources said on Wednesday.

Reports: Rockets trade McGrady to Kings (AP)
Published reports say the Houston Rockets have traded Tracy McGrady and his massive expiring contract to the Sacramento Kings for guards Kevin Martin and Sergio Rodriguez, center Hilton Armstrong and forward Kenny Thomas. The Kings also reportedly will get forward Carl Landry, Houston's most productive bench player this season, and seldom-used forward Joey Dorsey.

Williams, Okur lead Jazz past Rockets (AP)

Deron Williams scored 17 points and dished out 15 assists, Mehmet Okur scored 21 points and the Utah Jazz continued their midseason surge with a 104-95 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Paul Millsap scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the Jazz win for the 14th time in 16 games.

Sources: Houston Rockets mull New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls Tracy McGrady deals
The Rockets are deciding between offer from the Knicks and Bulls for Tracy McGrady, sources said on Tuesday.

Heat snap skid at 5, beat Rockets 99-66 (AP)

Desperate to snap a five-game losing streak, the Miami Heat raced to their largest halftime lead of the season and beat the short-handed Houston Rockets 99-66 on Tuesday night. The Heat shot 13 for 15 during a 9 1/2 -minute stretch in the first half and led 56-31 at halftime. Dwyane Wade had 17 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter.

Sixers rally from 13 down, beat Rockets (AP)

The Philadelphia 76ers made the final run, and that was the one that counted. Reserve Thaddeus Young scored 17 points, Willie Green added 15 and the 76ers overcame a 13-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 102-95 Saturday night for their fourth straight victory. Philadelphia hadn't won four in a row since last March 11-17.

Iverson out again due to child's illness (AP)
Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson will sit out a second straight game because one of his children is ill. Team officials say Iverson will miss Friday's game against the New Orleans Hornets. He also sat out the 76ers' overtime win over Chicago on Wednesday. He will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game at Houston.

Rockets hand Grizzlies another loss (AP)

Aaron Brooks had 19 points and eight rebounds to help the Houston Rockets send Memphis to its fourth defeat in five games with a 101-83 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday night. Trevor Ariza and Carl Landry finished with 17 points apiece, and Luis Scola added 12 points for the Rockets, who have won three of four.

Rockets recall G Taylor from D-League (AP)
The Houston Rockets have recalled guard Jermaine Taylor from their developmental league affiliate. The Rockets announced the move Thursday. They assigned the 6-foot-4 Taylor to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Jan. 28. He scored 30 and 32 points respectively in games against Albuquerque on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Brooks, Landry shine as Rockets cruise (AP)

The Houston Rockets finally got a breather after a month of close games. Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry scored 24 points apiece, and the Rockets salvaged the last game of their longest homestand of the season, routing the Golden State Warriors 119-97 on Tuesday night. Trevor Ariza scored 18 points and Chuck Hayes grabbed 13 rebounds for the Rockets, who finished their six-game homestand with a...

Left hip pointer sidelines Golden State Warriors forward Corey Maggette vs. Houston Rockets
Warriors forward Corey Maggette was out of the lineup against the Rockets because of a left hip pointer.

Warriors F Maggette sits with hip injury (AP)
Golden State Warriors forward Corey Maggette is out of the lineup against the Houston Rockets because of a left hip pointer. The 6-foot-6 Maggette is the Warriors' second-leading scorer (20.7 points per game) and third-leading rebounder (six per game). Vladimir Radmanovic replaced Maggette in the starting lineup Tuesday night.

Sources: Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets still talking Tracy McGrady trade
The Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards continue to discuss a possible Tracy McGrady trade in advance of next month's trading deadline, according to NBA front-office sources.

Stoudemire leads Suns push past Rockets in OT
Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 36 points, Steve Nash handed out 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 115-111 in overtime on Sunday night.

Amare, Nash carry Suns by Rockets in OT (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 36 points, Steve Nash handed out 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 115-111 in overtime on Sunday night. Nash scored 11 points and grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, and Grant Hill added 19 points for the Suns, who snapped a five-game road losing streak.

Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry out a week with sprained ankle
Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry will be out at least a week with a sprained left knee.

Rockets PG Lowry out at least a week (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry will be out at least a week with a sprained left knee. The Rockets said Lowry had an MRI exam on Saturday that confirmed the injury he sustained in Friday's win over Portland. The 6-foot Lowry came up limping after colliding with LaMarcus Aldridge on a drive in the second quarter.

Rockets snap 3-game home skid (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 33 points, Carl Landry added 21 and the Houston Rockets snapped a three-game losing streak at home with a 104-100 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Brooks reached 30 points for the fifth time this season, and Luis Scola and Trevor Ariza added 12 points apiece for the Rockets, who've won 12 of the last 13 regular-season meetings with the Blazers in...

Nuggets pick off Rockets, extend win streak to 8
J.R. Smith scored 22 points, Kenyon Martin added 12 points and 15 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 97-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

'Melo sits, Nuggets win eighth straight (AP)

J.R. Smith scored 22 points, Kenyon Martin added 12 points and 15 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 97-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Nuggets won for the second straight time without Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's second-leading scorer, who sat out with a sprained left ankle.

Lawyer calls off lawsuit against Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith
Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith made a last-minute payment to a Houston attorney before Wednesday's game against the Rockets to stall a lawsuit filed against him.

Carmelo Anthony sits out against Rockets to rest ankle
Denver star Carmelo Anthony is sitting out Wednesday's game in Houston to rest a sprained left ankle.

Hawks top Rockets, snap 10-game losing streak in Houston
The Hawks snapped a 10-game losing streak in Houston, winning here for the first time in almost 11 years.

Hawks snare first victory in Houston since 1999
Josh Smith scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a 10-game losing streak in Houston with a 102-95 victory over the Rockets on Monday night.

Hawks snap 10-game skid in Houston (AP)

Josh Smith scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a 10-game losing streak in Houston with a 102-95 victory over the Rockets on Monday night. Joe Johnson scored 20 points and Jamal Crawford added 17 as the Hawks won in the Toyota Center for the first time in seven visits.

Miller steps up for Noah in Bulls' win (AP)

Brad Miller scored 25 points in place of the injured Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson added 16 points and 14 rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls beat the Houston Rockets 104-97 on Saturday night. Derrick Rose scored 20 points, and Kirk Hinrich added 12 points and seven assists for the Bulls, who've won six of their last eight games.

Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah sits out vs. Houston Rockets with foot injury
Chicago center Joakim Noah sat out the Bulls' game Saturday night against Houston because of a left foot injury.

Bulls F Noah out with foot injury (AP)
Chicago center Joakim Noah sat out the Bulls' game Saturday night against Houston because of a left foot injury. The 6-foot-11 Noah was a last-minute scratch from the starting lineup after scoring 19 points in 25 minutes Friday night in a 115-104 victory in Phoenix. Noah had started all of Chicago's previous 41 games this season.

Duncan scores 20,000th points as Spurs fall
Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry scored 23 points apiece, and the Houston Rockets ended a five-game road skid with a 116-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Duncan reaches 20,000 points in loss (AP)

Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry scored 23 points apiece, and the Houston Rockets ended a five-game road skid with a 116-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Carl Landry added 19 points as the Rockets held off a furious San Antonio run in the final minutes led by Tim Duncan, who became the 35th player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points.

Scola's 27 and 15 lift Rockets in OT (AP)

Luis Scola scored a season-high 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Aaron Brooks dished out 10 assists to offset a bad shooting game and the Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 101-98 in overtime Monday. Carl Landry and Chase Budinger scored 12 points apiece for the Rockets, who have won the last 10 meetings with the Bucks in Houston.

Iverson, T-Mac may be All-Star starters (AP)
Unwanted by their teams, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady are still adored by their fans. The Memphis Grizzlies quickly parted ways with Iverson. The Houston Rockets are trying to trade McGrady. Maybe the players can swap stories of their rocky roads while covering each other at the All-Star game. Despite having little to no impact this season, both went into the final hours of voting in position to...

Wade burns Rockets with 37 points in Heat's win
Dwyane Wade scored 37 points, his second consecutive big game since spraining his wrist, and the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 115-106 on Friday night.

Wade scores 37 as Heat defeat Rockets (AP)

Dwyane Wade scored 37 points, his second consecutive big game since spraining his wrist, and the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 115-106 on Friday night. Rafer Alston had 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting against his former team and Jermaine O'Neal added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat, who snapped Houston's eight-game home winning streak.

Brooks' 43 points carry Rockets to triple-OT win
Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 43 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed a career-best 17 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat Minnesota 120-114 in triple overtime on Wednesday night.

Brooks' 43 lift Rockets by Wolves in 3OT (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 43 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed a career-best 17 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat Minnesota 120-114 in triple overtime on Wednesday night. Al Jefferson pulled down a franchise-record 26 rebounds and scored 26 points for the Timberwolves, playing the team's first ever three-overtime game.

Jackson scores 43 as Bobcats top Rockets (AP)

Stephen Jackson scored 16 of his career-high 43 points in the fourth quarter and the Charlotte Bobcats clamped down on defense after halftime to rally past the Houston Rockets, 102-94 on Tuesday night. Surpassing his previous best scoring night of 42 set nearly six years ago with Indiana, Jackson made 15 of 22 shots and 10 of 11 free throws while adding eight rebounds.

Rockets call up ex-Memphis star Dorsey (AP)
The Houston Rockets have called up Joey Dorsey from Rio Grande Valley of the NBA Development League to add depth to their front line. The 6-foot-8 Dorsey was assigned to the Vipers on Nov. 13 and averaged 14.9 points and 13.3 rebounds while shooting 65 percent from the field in 16 games. He's expected to be in Houston for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Scola, Rockets snap three-game losing streak
The Houston Rockets are entering a pivotal stretch of games, and they nearly let the first one slip away.

Scola's 23 help Rockets top Knicks (AP)

The Houston Rockets are entering a pivotal stretch of games, and they nearly let the first one slip away. The Rockets took a half to remember how they played much of the first two months of the season, then rallied to beat the New York Knicks 105-96 on Saturday night. Luis Scola matched a season high with 23 points, Aaron Brooks added 20 and the Rockets snapped a three-game losing streak.

Kobe, Lakers take care of Rockets
Andrew Bynum scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Suns hold on after squandering lead to Rockets
Steve Nash scored 26 points and had 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns squandered a 16-point lead before rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 118-110 on Wednesday night.

Suns rally by Rockets in see-saw affair (AP)

Steve Nash scored 26 points and had 12 assists, Amare Stoudemire added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns squandered a 16-point lead before rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 118-110 on Wednesday night. It was a furious game marked by a series of remarkable runs.

Bynum's big 4th lifts Lakers by Rockets (AP)

Pau Gasol is out injured, Kobe Bryant's finger was killing him and Andrew Bynum rose above it all in the post. Bynum scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory. Without injured Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets didn't have the size to contend with the...

Bynum big in 4th as Lakers rally past Rockets
Andrew Bynum scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

Report: Yao, wife expecting first child
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming and his wife Ye Li are expecting their first child, a Chinese newspaper reported Tuesday.

NBA denies Dallas Mavericks' protest of loss to Houston Rockets
The NBA has denied the Dallas Mavericks' protest of their 116-108 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets last month.

NBA denies Mavs' protest of loss to Rockets
The NBA has denied the Dallas Mavericks' protest of their 116-108 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets last month.

Hamstring could sideline Lakers F Gasol (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain has a mild to moderate strained left hamstring and is doubtful for Tuesday night's game against Houston. The Lakers said Monday that Gasol was examined by the team doctor and an ultrasound test and MRI showed the strain he sustained in Sunday night's win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Tests show Gasol has strained hamstring
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol has a mild to moderate strained left hamstring and is doubtful for Tuesday night's game against Houston.

Billups, Anthony to sit again vs. 76ers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets will be without their two leading scorers for the second straight night. Chauncey Billups (left groin strain) and Carmelo Anthony (right knee contusion) will miss Sunday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Billups injured his left groin against Houston on Dec. 16 and has missed six of the last seven games.

West finishes late run to lift Hornets vs. Rockets
Chris Paul had 28 points and nine assists, and the New Orleans Hornets closed the game on a 13-2 run to pull out a 99-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Paul, late run push Hornets by Rockets (AP)

Chris Paul had 28 points and nine assists, and the New Orleans Hornets closed the game on a 13-2 run to pull out a 99-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Emeka Okafor had 14 points and 16 rebounds for New Orleans, and David West added 14 points, including a jumper that gave the Hornets the lead for good with 47.6 seconds left after the Rockets had led by seven late in the fourth...

Battier's late 3 helps Rockets nip Mavericks
Aaron Brooks scored 30 points, Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:11 left, and the Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 97-94 on Thursday night.

Brooks' 30 helps Rockets top Mavs 97-94 (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 30 points, Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:11 left, and the Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 97-94 on Thursday night. Brooks followed Battier's 3 with one of his own for a six-point lead with 1:35 remaining, and the Rockets held on when Jason Kidd missed a potential tying shot from behind the arc in the final second.

Rockets confirm they are looking to trade McGrady
The Houston Rockets acknowledge they are trying to trade Tracy McGrady, after the two-time scoring champion's representatives asked the team to deal him.

Paul's triple-double not enough as Rockets rally
Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets overcame Chris Paul's triple-double and David West's career game in a 108-100 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

West has 44, Paul triple-double in loss (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets overcame Chris Paul's triple-double and David West's career game in a 108-100 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night. Paul had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 11th career triple-double and first this season.

LeBron power Cavs past Rockets for fourth straight win
Once LeBron James and the Cavaliers adjusted to being back home, the Houston Rockets quickly wore out their welcome.

Report: McGrady seeks trade from Rockets
A person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press that Tracy McGrady's representatives asked the Houston Rockets to trade him.

Sources: Houston Rockets give Tracy McGrady indefinite leave, will look to trade disgruntled guard
The Houston Rockets have granted Tracy McGrady and indefinite leave from the team and will work with McGrady's representatives to find a new home via trade for the blank-time All-Star, according to sources close to the process.

James, 3s power Cavaliers in easy win (AP)

LeBron James scored 29 points, Mo Williams added 20 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers used a flurry of 3-pointers and a stifling defense Sunday night to beat the Houston Rockets 108-83. James and Williams combined to make five 3-pointers in less than three minutes early in the third quarter, stretching Cleveland's lead to 68-53.

Disgruntled McGrady not with Rockets this weekend
Tracy McGrady was not with the Houston Rockets when they played the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night, nor will he play Sunday in Cleveland.

Rockets hand Nets ninth straight loss (AP)

Reserve Carl Landry scored 26 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 98-93 victory Saturday night over New Jersey, sending the Nets to their ninth straight loss. Aaron Brooks made a tiebreaking layup with 37 seconds left and scored 17 points, as did Luis Scola. Trevor Ariza added 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Rockets won for the fourth time in the last five games.

Report: Houston Rockets to bench displeased Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady says he's ready to see more action for the Houston Rockets. The Rockets decided he won't see any action for at least two games.

Howard powers Magic past Rockets (AP)

Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Howard outmuscled a Rockets team lacking size and strength in the middle with Yao Ming injured. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year blocked four shots and showed how dominant he can be even on a night he didn't have his best offensive game.

Howard, Magic roll to easy win over Rockets
Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Back from injury, Landry leads Rockets with 27
Carl Landry matched his career high with 27 points in his first game back after dental surgery, helping the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers.

Landry's 27 lift Rockets over Clippers (AP)

Carl Landry matched his career high with 27 points in his first game back after dental surgery, helping the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-99 on Tuesday night. Landry damaged five teeth Friday night when he took an elbow to the mouth from Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki. He went 7 for 10 from the field and 13 for 15 from the free-throw line as Houston beat the Clippers for the 10th...

Cuban files protest to NBA
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban officially filed a protest with the NBA office on Sunday over what he termed "misapplication of the rules" by the officiating crew during Friday night's overtime loss to the Houston Rockets.


Cuban files protest over loss to Rockets (AP)
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban officially filed a protest with the NBA office on Sunday over what he termed "misapplication of the rules" by the officiating crew during Friday night's overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. Cuban said the officials were wrong to eject Dallas center Erick Dampier in the overtime.

Dallas Mavericks file protest over call in loss to Houston Rockets
The Mavericks formally filed a protest following Friday's overtime loss to the Rockets.

Nowitzki sits vs. Cavs with sore elbow (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki missed Dallas' game against Cleveland on Sunday night because of soreness in his elbow, where two teeth belonging to Houston's Carl Landry wound up following a collision a few nights before. "I tried (shooting), but it's just too sore," said Nowitzki, his arm bandaged from his elbow to his wrist.

Mark Cuban: Mavericks to file protest over call in loss to Rockets
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said after Friday's loss to Houston that the Mavericks will be filing an official protest with the league office because of at least three contentious calls during Dallas' 116-108 overtime defeat.

Mark Cuban: Mavericks to file protest over call in loss to Rockets
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said after Friday's loss to Houston that the Mavericks will be filing an official protest with the league office because of at least three contentious calls during Dallas' 116-108 overtime defeat.

Ariza's 31, 5 3s get Rockets by Thunder (AP)

Forget coach Rick Adelman bragging about his team's resilience. The Houston Rockets are ready for a rest. Trevor Ariza scored 31 points and hit five 3-pointers, and the Rockets closed an exhausting run of four games in five days with a 95-90 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.

Lowry emerges to lead Rockets past Mavs in OT
Kyle Lowry came off the bench for a career-high 26 points and 10 assists, and the Houston Rockets took advantage of the second-half absence of Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Mavericks 116-108 in overtime Friday night.

Dirk, Landry hurt as Rockets top Mavs (AP)

Kyle Lowry came off the bench for a career-high 26 points and 10 assists, and the Houston Rockets took advantage of the second-half absence of Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Mavericks 116-108 in overtime Friday night. Aaron Brooks added 25 points and Luis Scola contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds to help the Rockets end the Mavericks' five-game winning streak.

Houston Rockets forward Carl Landry breaks three teeth in collision
The Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki and Houston's Carl Landry went to the locker room for treatment following a collision near the basket in the second quarter of Friday night's game.

Nowitzki, Landry injured in collision (AP)
The Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki and Houston's Carl Landry went to the locker room for treatment following a collision near the basket in the second quarter of Friday night's game. Nowitzki drove into the lane and missed a short jumper with 9:28 left in the second quarter. He was fouled by Landry, who was hit in the mouth on Nowitzki's follow-through.

Groin sidelines Billups vs. Hornets (AP)
Chauncey Billups has been scratched from the Denver Nuggets' game against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left groin strain. The injury occurred in the second quarter of Denver's game in Houston on Wednesday. Anthony Carter started at point guard in Billups' place Friday night. Billups is averaging 17.4 points and 5.7 assists this season for the Nuggets.

Yao recovering well, hopes to return next season
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming hopes to return to the NBA next season as he continues to recover from surgery on his left foot.

Billups injures groin in Nuggets' win (AP)

Drawing on their depth and leaning once again on Carmelo Anthony's offense, the Denver Nuggets withstood the loss of Chauncey Billups to a groin injury for a 111-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. They may soon face more tests without their star point guard. Anthony scored 38 points, his fifth straight 30-plus point performance, and the Nuggets were able to win despite...

Nuggets' Billups questionable for Friday (AP)
Point guard Chauncey Billups might miss the Denver Nuggets' game at New Orleans on Friday night because of a strained left groin. Billups was hurt in the second half of Denver's win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. He underwent a precautionary MRI on Thursday that confirmed a strain of his left adductor muscle, and the team said he was day-to-day.

Rick Adelman rips NBA for Houston Rockets' December slate
Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman is criticizing the NBA for setting up his team's late December schedule that includes four straight back-to-back sets.

Adelman rips NBA over Rockets' schedule (AP)
Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman criticized the NBA on Monday for setting up an "utterly ridiculous" schedule for his team that includes four back-to-back games over the next two weeks. The Rockets face Detroit at home on Tuesday, then must fly to Denver to play the first-place Nuggets on Wednesday.

Rockets coach rips NBA for 'ridiculous' schedule
Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman criticized the NBA on Monday for setting up an "utterly ridiculous" schedule for his team that includes four back-to-back games over the next two weeks. The Rockets face Detroit at home on Tuesday, then must fly to Denver to play the first-place Nuggets on Wednesday. They visit Dallas on Friday and return home to face Oklahoma City on Saturday - then have to play two games on consecutive nights twice more during Christmas week.

Houston Rockets' Trevor Ariza suspended one game for forearm
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza says he's earned a one-game suspension after he was ejected from Sunday's game in Toronto for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan.

Ariza suspended one game for throwing forearm
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza says he's earned a one-game suspension after he was ejected from Sunday's game in Toronto for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. Ariza said Monday that he'll have to sit out Tuesday's game against Detroit. NBA spokesman Tim Frank would not immediately confirm the suspension, saying that "no decision has been made." The 6-foot-8 Ariza is Houston's second-leading scorer, averaging 17 points.

Rockets F Ariza suspended 1 game (AP)
Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza says he's earned a one-game suspension after he was ejected from Sunday's game in Toronto for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. Ariza said Monday that he'll have to sit out Tuesday's game against Detroit. NBA spokesman Tim Frank would not immediately confirm the suspension, saying that "no decision has been made." The...

Bosh's 27 points lead Raptors to rout of Rockets
Chris Bosh scored 27 points and Hedo Turkoglu had a season-high 23 as the Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 101-88 on Sunday.

Bosh, Turkoglu power Raptors by Rockets (AP)

Chris Bosh scored 27 points and Hedo Turkoglu had a season-high 23 as the Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 101-88 on Sunday. Jarrett Jack added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Raptors, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Andrea Bargnani also had 14 points, and Sonny Weems had 11.

James' 33 lift Cavs past hobbled Blazers (AP)
LeBron James scored 33 points, Anderson Varejao had a season-high 22 and the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from consecutive sloppy road losses with a 104-99 win over the hobbled Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. James added seven assists, seven rebounds and a soaring block on a shot by Brandon Roy in the closing seconds for the Cavs, who were back home after losing in Memphis and Houston.

Rockets send 76ers to 12th straight loss (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 16 of his 19 points in the second half and the Houston Rockets held off a late surge before handing the Philadelphia 76ers their 12th straight loss, 96-91 on Friday night. The 76ers (5-18) are on their longest skid since also dropping 12 in a row from Nov. 25-Dec. 20, 2006. They traded Allen Iverson near the end of that losing streak.

Rockets hand struggling 76ers 12th straight loss
Aaron Brooks scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half and the Houston Rockets held off a late surge before handing the Philadelphia 76ers their 12th straight loss, 96-91 on Friday night.

Rockets use defense to crush slumping Cavs
Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Trevor Ariza scored 26 and the Houston Rockets held LeBron James and the Cavaliers to one of their worst offensive performances of the season in a 95-85 win over Cleveland on Wednesday night.

Brooks, Ariza lead Rockets past Cavs (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Trevor Ariza scored 26 and the Houston Rockets held LeBron James and the Cavaliers to one of their worst offensive performances of the season in a 95-85 win over Cleveland on Wednesday night. James scored 27 points, but went only 8 for 21 from the field. No other Cleveland starter reached double figures and the Cavs matched their season-low point total.

Roy's layup gets Blazers past Rockets (AP)

The somber Portland Trail Blazers found it difficult to celebrate a victory after losing Greg Oden. Brandon Roy had 28 points and scored the winning basket to help Portland beat Houston 90-89 on Saturday night, but the Blazers were both solemn and resolute with the probable season-ending injury to Oden in the first quarter.

Blazers' Oden expected to miss rest of season
Portland center Greg Oden will likely miss the season after fracturing his left knee cap during a game against Houston on Saturday night. Oden will undergo surgery, the Trail Blazers said. The 7-foot center dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter. He was almost immediately surrounded by trainers and physicians.

Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden carted off floor with apparent knee injury
Portland center Greg Oden was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent knee injury in the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Oden taken off on stretcher due to knee (AP)
Portland center Greg Oden was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent knee injury in the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Oden dropped to the floor clutching his left knee after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks with 5:45 remaining in the first quarter.

Rockets rally to spoil Nelson's return (AP)

Aaron Brooks talked coach Rick Adelman out of a pick-and-roll on the final play. Adelman agreed, then Brooks made something happen himself. He hit two free throws with 2.1 seconds left and the Houston Rockets rallied for their eighth straight win against the Warriors, spoiling Golden State coach Don Nelson's return from pneumonia with a 111-109 victory Thursday night.

Rockets ruin Nelson's return to Warriors bench
Aaron Brooks hit two free throws with 2.1 seconds left and the Houston Rockets rallied for their eighth straight win against the Warriors, spoiling Golden State coach Don Nelson's return with a 111-109 victory Thursday night.

McMillan needs surgery after rupturing Achilles
Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan ruptured his right Achilles tendon during practice Friday and will need surgery. McMillan will coach Saturday night's game against Houston, but he will miss next week's four-game road trip. The Blazers say McMillan will have surgery on Monday. Assistant coach Dean Demopoulos will take McMillan's place starting Monday in New York.

Rockets rally from 10 down to quiet Thunder
Aaron Brooks scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, Carl Landry had 21 points and 10 rebounds after replacing injured Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-91 on Sunday night.

Brooks, Landry power Rockets by Thunder (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, Carl Landry had 21 points and 10 rebounds after replacing injured Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-91 on Sunday night. Already without All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets lost Scola 22 seconds into the game when he was poked in the right eye by Oklahoma City's Etan Thomas.

Luis Scola of Houston Rockets poked in eye, gets seven stitches in eyelid
Houston forward Luis Scola left the Rockets' game at Oklahoma City after being poked in the right eye.

Rockets' Scola leaves after poked in eye (AP)
Houston forward Luis Scola has left the Rockets' game at Oklahoma City after being poked in the right eye. Scola appeared to be bleeding after Oklahoma City's Etan Thomas poked him in the eye with his left hand while dunking with his right hand on the Thunder's opening possession of the game Sunday night.

Nenad Krstic misses game with sore Achilles tendon
Thunder center Nenad Krstic missed Oklahoma City's game Sunday night against the Houston Rockets because of a sore left Achilles' tendon.

Duncan, McDyess power Spurs past Rockets
Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess recorded double-doubles, Tony Parker had 19 points and seven assists, and the San Antonio Spurs earned their first road win of the season with a 92-84 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday.

Duncan helps Spurs to first road win (AP)

Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess recorded double-doubles, Tony Parker had 19 points and seven assists, and the San Antonio Spurs earned their first road win of the season with a 92-84 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday. Duncan had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and McDyess added 15 points and 14 boards as the Spurs won for the first time in five games away from home.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd moves into 2nd place on NBA's assists list
Jason Kidd moved into second place on the NBA's career assists list during the Dallas Mavericks' game with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Kidd moves into 2nd in career assists (AP)

Jason Kidd moved into second place on the NBA's career assists list, Jason Terry scored 27 points and the Dallas Mavericks shot 65.5 percent in a 130-99 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Kidd delivered seven assists to reach 10,337 in his career. He came in needing five to pass Mark Jackson's career total (10,334), and now trails only John Stockton (15,806).

Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd moves into 2nd place on NBA's assists list
Jason Kidd moved into second place on the NBA's career assists list during the Dallas Mavericks' game with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady back at practice, return unclear
Tracy McGrady has returned to practice with the Houston Rockets for the first time since microfracture surgery in February, but the seven-time All-Star still doesn't know when he'll play.

Rockets hold off Kings 113-106 (AP)

Luis Scola scored 22 points and grabbed key rebounds in the final minutes, and the Houston Rockets held off the Sacramento Kings 113-106 Saturday night. The Rockets blew a 15-point, second-quarter lead and had to scrap in the final minutes of the fourth quarter before improving their record in the second game of back-to-backs to 4-0 this season.

Rockets lose 15-point lead, regroup to top Kings
Luis Scola scored 22 points and grabbed key rebounds in the final minutes, and the Houston Rockets held off the Sacramento Kings 113-106 Saturday night.

Hawks win seventh straight on put-back (AP)

Josh Smith soared through the lane to drop in a missed shot with 0.7 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Hawks won their seventh in a row, beating the Houston Rockets 105-103 Friday night to maintain the NBA's best record. Marvin Williams scored a season-high 29 points, but it was Smith, who spent most of the fourth quarter on the bench because of foul trouble, who came through at the end.

Smith soars to rescue as Hawks win 7th straight
Josh Smith soared through the lane to drop in a missed shot with 0.7 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Hawks won their seventh in a row, beating the Houston Rockets 105-103 Friday night to maintain the NBA's best record.

Houston Rockets tell Tracy McGrady his return will have to wait
Tracy McGrady says he is ready to play. The Houston Rockets say he'll have to wait.

Rockets extend Timberwolves' skid to 11 (AP)

The NBA season is not yet a month old and it has already been a long one for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luis Scola had 20 points and a season-high 16 rebounds in Houston's 97-84 victory over Timberwolves on Wednesday night, Minnesota's 11th loss in a row. Trevor Ariza scored 18 points, Chuck Hayes had 11 points and 10 rebounds and the Rockets hit 12 3-pointers for the win.

Suns overcome slow start to beat Rockets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points, Steve Nash had 16 assists and the Phoenix Suns recovered from a slow start to beat the Houston Rockets 111-105 on Tuesday night. Jason Richardson scored 20 points for the Suns, who have won eight of their last 11 games against the Rockets in Houston. Carl Landry scored a career-high 27 points off the bench and Aaron Brooks had a career-best 13 assists for the...

Pops Mensah-Bonsu back with Toronto Raptors; Hedo Turkoglu sits out
Toronto has claimed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu off waivers from Houston and he is expected to be in uniform for the Raptors' game at Denver.

Injured Turkoglu sits vs. Nuggets (AP)
Toronto has claimed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu off waivers from Houston and he is expected to be in uniform for the Raptors' game at Denver. Forward Hedo Turkoglu has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Nuggets with a sore left hip and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Antoine Wright, who's dealing with a sore left ankle.

Brooks' big night hands Lakers 2nd straight loss
Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 33 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-91 on Sunday night, sending them to a second consecutive loss.

Brooks scores 33 as Rockets beat Lakers (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 33 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-91 on Sunday night, sending them to a second consecutive loss. The NBA champion Lakers were coming off a 105-79 drubbing at Denver two nights earlier only to have another team they vanquished in last season's title run show them up at home, where they got booed.

Thompson helps Kings win fourth straight (AP)

Jason Thompson had a career-high 27 points and added 11 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings, who won their fourth straight game, defeating the Houston Rockets 109-100 on Friday night. The previous time the Kings won four consecutive games was late in the 2007-08 season. Trevor Ariza scored 28 points for the Rockets.

Kings edge Rockets for rare 4-game win streak
Jason Thompson had a career-high 27 points and added 11 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings, who won their fourth straight game, defeating the Houston Rockets 109-100 on Friday night.

Rockets assign C Dorsey to D-League (AP)
The Houston Rockets have assigned center Joey Dorsey to the team's developmental league partner and waived forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu on Friday. The 6-foot-8 Dorsey, who has not appeared in a game with the Rockets this season, will join the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Rockets took over basketball operations of the Vipers in June.

Rockets extend Grizzlies' skid to 7 (AP)

Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman ripped his team after a sluggish first half against Memphis on Wednesday night. The Rockets got the message and then routed the lowly Grizzlies. Luis Scola had 22 points and 15 rebounds and Carl Landry scored 20 points in the Rockets' 104-79 victory. Trevor Ariza scored 17 points, Kyle Lowry had 10 assists, and rookie Chase Budinger had 15 points for the...

Mavericks outshoot Rockets behind 22-3 run
Jason Terry scored 24 points, Erick Dampier had 14 points and 20 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 121-103 on Tuesday night.

Mavs rally from 17 down, defeat Rockets (AP)
Jason Terry scored 24 points, Erick Dampier had 14 points and 20 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 121-103 on Tuesday night. The Mavericks went on a 22-3 run that started late in the first half and helped them bounce back after a sluggish start.

Rick Adelman: Tracy McGrady has 'long way' to go to play
Tracy McGrady is closer to getting back on the court after microfracture surgery, but no timetable has been set for the seven-time All-Star's return to the Houston Rockets.

Houston Rockets: No Tracy McGrady return date despite report
The Rockets say there is no timetable for Tracy McGrady's return despite the star reportedly saying he's shooting for Nov. 18.

Rockets win 11th straight over Thunder (AP)

Trevor Ariza and Carl Landry scored 21 points apiece and the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak over the Oklahoma City franchise to 11 games by beating the Thunder 105-94 Friday night. Luis Scola added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets. Russell Westbrook scored 33 points and Kevin Durant added 27 for the Thunder, who've lost nine straight games in Houston.

Lakers get 41 from Kobe, edge Rockets in OT
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won in overtime for the second straight game, beating the Houston Rockets 103-102 on Wednesday night.

Bryant's 41 get Lakers by Rockets in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won in overtime for the second straight game, beating the Houston Rockets 103-102 on Wednesday night. Carl Landry scored 20 points to lead six players in double figures for Houston. Luis Scola added 16 points and 13 rebounds and Chuck Hayes had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Budinger's 17 help Rockets beat Jazz (AP)

Rookie Chase Budinger scored a career-high 17 points and was one of eight Houston players to score in double figures as the Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-96 on Monday night. The Rockets pulled away with a 13-0 run early in the fourth quarter and won in Salt Lake City for the first time since spoiling the Jazz's home opener two years ago.

Balanced offense keys Rockets' win vs. Jazz
Rookie Chase Budinger scored a career-high 17 points and was one of eight Houston players to score in double figures as the Rockets beat the Utah Jazz 113-96 on Monday night.

Blazers salvage split of 2-game trip (AP)

Steve Blake scored 18 points and Brandon Roy made a late push to finish with 16, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 83-74 on Sunday night to split a two-game road trip. One night after scoring 42 points in a loss at Houston, Roy struggled to get anything going on offense -- and so did Kevin Durant, a fellow Rookie of the Year.

Ariza-Brooks duo tops Roy's 42 to spur Rockets
Trevor Ariza scored a career-high 33 points, Aaron Brooks added 28 points and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers at home for the fifth straight time in the regular season, 111-107 on Saturday night.

Rockets overcome Roy's 42, beat Blazers (AP)

Trevor Ariza scored a career-high 33 points, Aaron Brooks added 28 points and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers at home for the fifth straight time in the regular season, 111-107 on Saturday night. Houston had to overcome a 42-point performance by Brandon Roy and a determined Trail Blazers offense that kept the game close to the end.

Rockets ride ferry to game, top Warriors (AP)

Rick Adelman called his team out for being selfish and impatient. Then something clicked in the second half. The Houston Rockets are trying to find themselves without sidelined stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and Adelman realizes that will be a work in progress. Luis Scola scored 15 of his 21 points in the third quarter and grabbed 11 rebounds, Aaron Brooks had 18 points and 12 assists, and the...

Rockets get to game at Golden State by boat
Aaron Brooks never figured he'd take a ferry to a game. Not in the NBA, anyway. The Houston Rockets traveled to their game with Golden State by boat, plus a bus ride on either side. Some riders thought the Rockets were plainclothes police officers, while others figured out they were a basketball team.

Rockets travel to season opener by boat (AP)
The Houston Rockets traveled to their season opener by boat. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is temporarily closed down for emergency repairs after a cable on the bridge's upper deck snapped Tuesday, leaving the Rockets with two options to get to Oracle Arena: an early bus ride on a longer, alternate route or a quick and scenic ferry trip with the public.

Bridge out: Houston Rockets reportedly ferry to game
The Rockets reportedly had to take a ferry to their game with the Warriors on Wednesday.

Outlaw's 23 spark Blazers over Rockets (AP)

Reserve Travis Outlaw scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 96-87 in the season opener Tuesday night. Brandon Roy added 20 points and five assists for the Blazers. Portland hit 20 of 22 free throws and outrebounded Houston 51-33. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who defeated Portland in six games this past spring in the first round of the playoffs.

Dirk nets 32, ejected in Mavs' preseason finale
Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points then was ejected for arguing a call in the fourth quarter of the Dallas Mavericks' 98-94 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.

Nowitzki ejected in Mavericks' win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points then was ejected for arguing a call in the fourth quarter of the Dallas Mavericks' 98-94 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd both added 14 points for the Mavericks (5-2) and Drew Gooden added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Houston Rockets waive guard Brent Barry; move puts roster at 15
The Houston Rockets have waived guard Brent Barry, a move that trims their roster to the required 15 players.

Rockets release Temple, Beck - Garrett Temple (G) Houston Rockets
The Rockets released guards Garrett Temple and Romel Beck on Wednesday.

Granger's 22 help Pacers beat Rockets (AP)

Danny Granger is picking up where he left off last season. Indiana's returning All-Star scored 22 points in 17 minutes, leading the Pacers to a 119-104 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The fifth-year swingman is averaging more than 19 points through Indiana's four exhibition games.

Battier hits 8 of Rockets' 13 3s in win (AP)

Shane Battier scored 26 points and Trevor Ariza added 18 as the Houston Rockets made 13 3-pointers in a 124-112 preseason victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. Battier made his first seven 3-point attempts and finished 8 of 9 from behind the arc. Ariza was 3 of 5 as Houston finished 13 of 23 from 3-point range.

Redd continues return from knee surgery (AP)

With every shot in the preseason, Michael Redd feels a little more like himself again. Redd scored 18 points, Carlos Delfino added 16 points and eight rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Houston Rockets 96-92 in a preseason game on Monday night. Redd says he's still moving cautiously after undergoing knee surgery in March.

Garnett makes return as Celtics falter in fourth
Kevin Garnett scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in his first action since aggravating a right knee injury last March 25 as the Celtics couldn't hold the lead in the fourth against the Houston Rockets in a 96-90 loss Wednesday night.

Garnett has 6 points, 5 boards in return (AP)
Aaron Brooks scored 21 points and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 96-90 on Wednesday night. Kevin Garnett scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in his first action since aggravating a right knee injury last March 25. Garnett scored all six points in the first quarter, helping Boston build an early lead.

Rockets put away Spurs in Ginobili's return
Trevor Ariza scored nine points in his Rockets debut, helping Houston beat the Spurs 99-85 on Tuesday night.

Rockets to give Beck a shot to make team - Romel Beck (G) Houston Rockets
The Rockets, after passing on injured Rashad McCants, will sign swingman Romel Beck to a non-guaranteed contract in hopes of him making the team's final roster.

Houston Rockets pass on Rashad McCants for now, bring in Romel Beck
The Rockets are passing on an injured Rashad McCants for now and will sign Romel Beck to compete for a roster spot.

Rockets' McGrady says rehab ahead of schedule
Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady said Monday he's "far ahead of schedule" in his recovery from knee surgery and wants to show that he's still got a few good years left in him. The seven-time All-Star underwent a risky microfracture procedure on his left knee on Feb. 24, and doctors said his recovery could take up to 12 months. McGrady said he hasn't set a date for his return, but he can already run and jump several weeks ahead of doctors' expectations.

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady says his rehab ahead of schedule after microfracture knee surgery
Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady said Monday he's "far ahead of schedule" in his recovery from knee surgery and wants to show that he's still got a few good years left in him.

Beasley: Rehab 'lowest hour,' apologizes to Heat
Michael Beasley said that an offseason stay in a rehabilitation facility was his "lowest hour," denied that he has a substance abuse problem and apologized Friday to the Miami Heat organization. Beasley would not reveal any specific details of the treatment he received in Houston, other than acknowledging that he became "pretty upset" upon learning his stay would be considerably longer than first planned.

Miami Heat get apology from Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley is apologizing to the Miami Heat, and calling his stay in a Houston rehab facility his "lowest hour."

Wade looking to build on career season (AP)
Dwyane Wade's numbers were better than ever last season. Here comes his encore opportunity. A Miami Heat offseason that seemed stagnant at times, stormy at others is ending, with practice opening Tuesday. Quentin Richardson has arrived, Jamario Moon has departed, and Michael Beasley has returned after a monthlong stay in a Houston rehab facility for substance abuse and other treatment.

Yao encouraged by recovery, won't play in '09-'10
Encouraged by progress in his recovery from major foot surgery, Yao Ming says he will return to action - just not next season. "The (X-ray) picture looks good. The bones heal well," he said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV on Wednesday. He also said, however, that there was no chance that he will play in the 2009-10 NBA season. "The answer is no. You don't want to rush it, because they want it to totally heal this time. I have been in this situation enough," he said.

Yao encouraged by progress of recovery (AP)
Encouraged by progress in his recovery from major foot surgery, Yao Ming said Wednesday he will return to action -- just not next season. "The (X-ray) picture looks good. The bones heal well," he said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV. He also said, however, that there is no chance that he will play in the 2009-10 NBA season.

Rockets bring in more training camp invitees - Will Conroy (G) Houston Rockets
The Rockets have extended non-guaranteed contracts to guards Will Conroy and Garrett Temple.

Riley backs Beasley, 'confident' of big 2009-10
Michael Beasley is in daily contact with the Miami Heat and is working out under the direction of team personnel, with plans of being with the team when training camp begins later this month. Speaking about Beasley for the first time since the 20-year-old entered a Houston rehabilitation facility last month, Heat president Pat Riley said Tuesday that he's "confident ... very confident" Beasley will have a strong season for Miami and insisted he still strongly believes in the No.

Miami Heat are standing behind Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley still has the full support of the Miami Heat. Team president Pat Riley said Tuesday that the Heat are in daily contact with Beasley, the 20-year-old forward who entered rehabilitation and counseling at a Houston facility last month.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming 'progressing well' from foot surgery
Yao Ming's return from foot surgery might come sooner than anyone expected.

Reports: Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley checks into Houston rehab
Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley has entered a rehabilitation hospital in Houston to address possible substance and psychological issues, reports said Monday.

Report: Beasley checks into rehab for depression
A person briefed on the situation says Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley is battling depression-related issues and is being treated at a Houston rehabilitation facility. Beasley checked into the facility last week, the person told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity citing of privacy concerns. A photo of the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft was posted Friday to his Twitter account, in which Beasley is displaying a new tattoo across his shoulders.

Rockets add Pops Mensah-Bonsu to roster - Pops Mensah-Bonsu (F/C) Houston Rockets
It isn't official yet but the Houston Rockets have come to a verbal agreement with Raptors big man Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

The Houston Rockets reach verbal deal with Mensah-Bonsu
The Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with free agent Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a television station reported.

Rockets, Mensah-Bonsu reach verbal deal (AP)
The Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with free agent Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a television station reported. Mensah-Bonsu, a forward who split time between San Antonio and Toronto last season, told KRIV-TV in Houston that it feels good to be a Rocket. Mensah-Bonsu, who played 12 games for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006-07 season, has career averages of 4.1 points and 3.9...

Gondrezick guilty in mortgage fraud case (AP)
Former NBA player Grant Gondrezick has pleaded guilty in a mortgage fraud case that involved the sale of 24 homes in Houston suburbs. U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson announced the plea by the 45-year-old Gondrezick on Friday. The former Houston resident faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and more $1 million in restitution for conspiring to commit wire fraud.

Former NBA player guilty of mortgage fraud
Former NBA player Grant Gondrezick has pleaded guilty in a mortgage fraud case that involved the sale of 24 homes in Houston suburbs. U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson announced the plea by the 45-year-old Gondrezick on Friday. The former Houston resident faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and more $1 million in restitution for conspiring to commit wire fraud.

NBA free agents: Former Houston Rockets guard Von Wafer signs with Olympiakos
Free agent guard Von Wafer says he has signed a two-year deal with Olympiakos of Greece.

David Andersen signs with Houston Rockets on multiyear contract
The Houston Rockets have signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract to help make up for the loss of Yao Ming.

Ex-Rockets G Wafer to play in Greece (AP)
Free agent guard Von Wafer says he has signed a two-year deal with Olympiakos of Greece. Wafer made nearly $800,000 last season with the Houston Rockets. Wafer told KRIV-TV on Wednesday that the agreement allows him to opt out after the first year with the Greek team, but only to return to the NBA. He said Olympiakos gave him the best offer he had received all summer.

Rockets ink Spanish League C Andersen (AP)
The Houston Rockets have signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract to help make up for the loss of Yao Ming. The Rockets acquired the rights to the 6-foot-11 Andersen in a trade with Atlanta on July 14. Houston scrambled to find a center after announcing in June that Yao was out indefinitely with a hairline fracture in his left foot.

Ex-Rockets guard Wafer signs with Olympiakos
Free agent guard Von Wafer has signed a two-year, $10 million deal to play for Olympiakos, the same Greek team that landed Linus Kleiza from the Nuggets earlier this week. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard will leave for Greece on Friday, said Giovanni Funiciello, who is Wager's international agent. The contract will allow Wafer to opt out after one season, but only to sign with an NBA team. Wafer confirmed the deal Wednesday after it was reported by KRIV-TV in Houston. Wafer, 24, averaged 9.

T-Wolves still deciding between three candidates
The three finalists for the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching vacancy have distinctly different resumes. No wonder it's taking president David Kahn a long time to make a decision. Kahn has spent the past seven weeks meticulously interviewing candidates and has settled on Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner.

Minnesota Timberwolves coaching search down to three finalists
Timberwolves president David Kahn is in the process of deciding between Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner.

Timberwolves narrow coach search to 3 (AP)

The three finalists for the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching vacancy have three distinctly different resumes. Timberwolves president David Kahn is in the process of deciding between Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner. Rambis is the most experienced of the bunch.

Houston Rockets ink rookie guard Jermaine Taylor to multiyear deal
The Houston Rockets signed rookie guard Jermaine Taylor to a multiyear contract on Wednesday.

Rockets sign draft pick Jermaine Taylor - Jermaine Taylor (G) Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets came to terms with second round draft pick Jermaine Taylor.

Cavs, Rockets, Wolves fined for leaking schedules
The NBA has fined three teams an undisclosed amount for leaking details of their schedules before the league released them. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were penalized, an official with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press on Monday. The official requested anonymity because the fines weren't publicly announced. The NBA will release its 2009-10 schedule on Tuesday afternoon. The league forbids teams to release any details before then.

Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves fined for schedule leaks
The Cavaliers, Rockets and Wolves were fined for leaking their schedules before the league released them.

3 teams fined for leaking schedules (AP)
The NBA has fined three teams an undisclosed amount for leaking details of their schedules before the league released them. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were penalized, an official with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press on Monday. The official requested anonymity because the fines weren't publicly announced.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming has surgery to repair broken foot
Yao Ming had surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left foot.

Report: Yao undergoes surgery on broken foot
Yao Ming underwent surgery Tuesday in an effort to fix his broken foot and rescue his NBA career, according to the Houston Chronicle.

4 US hoops players pull out of minicamp (AP)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Golden State forward Anthony Randolph are heading to USA Basketball's minicamp, while four players are pulling out. Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, plus Houston's Trevor Ariza and Boston's Glen Davis will not be in Las Vegas. New York forward David Lee and Indiana's Danny Granger will attend minicamp but won't...

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming opts for major surgery on fractured foot with hopes on return
Rockets center Yao Ming has elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that almost certainly eliminates his chances of playing next season.

Yao: I'm buying Chinese team, not retiring
Yao Ming says his purchase of his former team, the financially troubled Shanghai Sharks, was motivated by a desire to help the club that jump-started his career rather than by early retirement plans. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, currently sidelined with a foot injury, signed an agreement this week to purchase all of the shares of the Sharks team for an undisclosed amount of money.

Yao: Buying team doesn't mean retirement (AP)
Yao Ming says his purchase of his former team, the financially troubled Shanghai Sharks, was motivated by a desire to help the club that jump-started his career rather than by early retirement plans. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, currently sidelined with a foot injury, signed an agreement this week to purchase all of the shares of the Sharks team for an undisclosed amount of money.

Houston Rockets gets rights to Australian F-C David Andersen
The Rockets acquired the rights to Australian David Andersen from the Hawks on Tuesday.

Hawks trade F Andersen to Rockets - David Andersen (F) Houston Rockets
The Hawks have traded the rights to forward-center David Andersen to the Rockets for an undisclosed second-round draft choice, cash and future considerations.

Hawks trade Andersen rights to Rockets (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have traded the rights to forward-center David Andersen to the Houston Rockets for an undisclosed second-round draft choice, cash and future considerations. The Hawks announced the trade Tuesday. The 6-foot-11 Andersen was a second-round draft choice of the Hawks in 2002. He has spent his professional career in his native Australia and in Europe, most recently in the Spanish League...

Mark Jackson interviews for Wolves coach job - Mark Jackson (G) Houston Rockets
The NY Daily News reported on Sunday that Mark Jackson has interviewed for the Timberwolves vacant head coaching job.

Minnesota Timberwolves talk to Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner for coach gig
Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner has interviewed to become the next coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rockets' Turner interviews with Wolves (AP)
Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner has interviewed to become the next coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The interview took place Monday in Las Vegas and lasted a couple of hours, Turner told KRIV-TV in Houston. Turner has worked as an assistant in Sacramento and Portland and was a candidate for the Phoenix Suns coaching job last year.

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady to wear No. 3 to spotlight Darfur work
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady will swap his No. 1 uniform number for No. 3.

McGrady switching jersey numbers
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady will swap his No. 1 uniform number for No. 3. McGrady's old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza, the Lakers forward who agreed to a multiyear deal with Houston on July 2. McGrady wore No. 3 in high school. He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his summer 2007 visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, "3 Points," is set for release this fall.

Nuggets acquire Afflalo, Sharpe from Pistons
The Denver Nuggets acquire Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe from Detroit in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. The Nuggets also received cash in Monday's deal. The Pistons freed up close to $1.8 million in salary cap space. Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 74 games last season. The former UCLA star scored a career-high 24 at Houston on March 18. Sharpe, a 6-foot-9 forward, appeared in nine games.

McGrady switching jersey number to No. 3 (AP)
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady will swap his No. 1 uniform number for No. 3. McGrady's old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza, the Lakers forward who agreed to a multiyear deal with Houston on July 2. McGrady wore No. 3 in high school. He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his summer 2007 visits to refugee...

Pistons send Afflalo, Sharpe to Nuggets (AP)
The Denver Nuggets acquire Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe from Detroit in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. The Nuggets also received cash in Monday's deal. The Pistons freed up close to $1.8 million in salary cap space. Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 74 games last season. The former UCLA star scored a career-high 24 at Houston on March 18.

White leads Rockets over GS in summer league - James White (G/F) Houston Rockets
James White led a balanced Rockets attack in their 73-69 summer league win over the Warriors, scoring 14 points, including some big free throws late.

Lakers make $18M Artest deal official
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms. ESPN.com and the Los Angeles Times have reported that Artest, who was an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million when he decided to join the team on Thursday. The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Lakers make Artest deal official
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms. ESPN.com and the Los Angeles Times have reported that Artest, who was an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million when he decided to join the team on Thursday. The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets gets NBA injury exception
The Houston Rockets are still hoping Yao Ming returns next season, but they have been able to cash in on his injury.

Yao's injury helped Rockets land Ariza (AP)
The Houston Rockets are still hoping Yao Ming returns next season, but they have been able to cash in on his injury. The Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA a few weeks ago, betting that their All-Star center will miss next season with a hairline fracture in his left foot. The NBA agreed that Yao's return is unlikely, freeing up about $5.7 million that the Rockets used...

Yao still consulting with doctors (AP)
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The playing future of the 7-foot-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming will wait a week before deciding on foot surgery
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot.

Yao will wait week before surgery decision
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The future of 7-foot-6 (226-centimeter) Yao are in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out of all of next season, and potentially end his career. "It hasn't been decided yet," Yao's agent, Eric Zhang, told The Associated Press on Friday.

Rockets, Ariza agree on multiyear deal (AP)
The Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.

Report: Rockets, Ariza agree to deal
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza. The person, who did not want to be identified because the negotiations were ongoing, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was meeting with the free agent in Las Vegas. The meeting was first reported by KRIV-TV in Houston, which also said Coach Rick Adelman was meeting with Ariza. The AP source could not confirm that.

NBA free agency: Trevor Ariza verballly agrees to sign with Houston Rockets
Trevor Ariza has made a verbal commitment to sign with the Houston Rockets, according to sources close to the process.

Artest agrees to deal with Lakers (AP)
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night.

NBA free agency: Ron Artest says he's leaving Houston Rockets for Los Angeles Lakers
Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

Report: Rockets GM meets with Lakers' Ariza
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza. The person, who did not want to be identified because the negotiations were ongoing, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was meeting with the free agent in Las Vegas. The meeting was first reported by KRIV-TV in Houston, which also said Coach Rick Adelman was meeting with Ariza. The AP source could not confirm that.

Trevor Ariza meets with Houston Rockets
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza.

NBA free agents: Houston Rockets target Magic free-agent center Gortat
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at center Marcin Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight Wednesday, virtually the minute teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents

Rockets GM Morey woos Gortat at midnight (AP)
Daryl Morey is using the personal touch to lure free-agent Orlando center Marcin Gortat. The Houston Rockets general manager showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight (Eastern time) Wednesday, virtually the minute teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

Houston Rockets face questions on Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest
The Rockets are still planning on building around Yao Ming, but many questions remain.

Rockets heavily pursue Magic C Marcin Gortat
The Houston Rockets launched an all-out bid to sign Polish center Marcin Gortat on Wednesday, including an offer for the Orlando Magic backup player. With the future of star Yao Ming uncertain, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight local time, virtually the minute that NBA teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

Rockets keeping quiet about Yao's injury (AP)
On the eve of the NBA draft, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that the franchise was still determined to build around All-Star center Yao Ming. "He's the cornerstone of the team," Morey said. A few days later, the future of the team and the All-Star center from China have suddenly been thrown into question amid ominous reports from the team doctor that the hairline...

Yao's 31 lift Rockets by Nuggets 115-113 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 31 points, Rafer Alston added 18 points and 11 assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 115-113 on Monday afternoon. Denver's Kenyon Martin missed two foul shots with 2.6 seconds left, and Yao rebounded to clinch the win. Von Wafer had 18 and Luis Scola 16 for the Rockets, who have won five of their last six games and four of five since Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady...

76ers winning without injured F Brand (AP)
Elton Brand hoped to turn the Philadelphia 76ers into contenders in the East with his double-doubles in the post, not by his absence. They are back at .500 (20-20), have won a season-high seven straight games and won convincingly against top teams in the West like Houston and San Antonio. The 3s are falling, the fast-break is sizzling, and the defense isn't allowing many big baskets.

Yao goes 12-for-12 as Rockets down Heat (AP)

Yao Ming set a Houston record by going 12-for-12 from the field, and finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the Rockets' 93-86 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Rafer Alston added a season-high 22 points to help the Rockets improve to 2-1 since Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest were shelved to recover from injuries.

Kobe leads Lakers by undermanned Rockets (AP)

Kobe Bryant sank a 3-pointer with 27 seconds left and scored 33 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the undermanned Houston Rockets 105-100 on Tuesday night. Bryant had 13 points in the fourth quarter, finally getting the better of Houston's Von Wafer, who scored a career-high 23 points in place of the injured Tracy McGrady.

Rockets top Knicks without T-Mac, Artest (AP)

Luis Scola had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Rafer Alston added 17 points and six assists and the undermanned Houston Rockets took advantage of New York's poor shooting to beat the Knicks 96-76 on Saturday night. Aaron Brooks scored 16 points, Von Wafer had 15 and Yao Ming 14 for the Rockets, who played without Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.

McGrady, Artest out of lineup against Knicks
Houston guard Tracy McGrady and forward Ron Artest missed the Rockets' game Saturday night against New York because of injuries.

Bucks C Bogut returns against Wolves (AP)
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut returned to action Saturday night against Minnesota after missing four games because of a back injury. Bogut experienced back spasms after taking a charge against Houston on Dec. 31. The team simply waited it out until he started feeling better, and Bogut came to Target Center on Saturday night and said he felt good enough to play.

McGrady helps Rockets hold off Thunder (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 26 points and made two critical free throws with 8.2 seconds left to help the Houston Rockets win their second straight road game by holding off the Oklahoma City Thunder 98-96 on Friday night. McGrady, who had missed two of the Rockets' previous three games due to a left knee injury, helped extend Houston's winning streak over the franchise to 10 straight games, including...

Cavs roll in warmup for game with Celts (AP)

LeBron James and a few of his teammates hung around after their postgame showers and watched the final minutes of Boston's game against Houston on TV. They'll see the Celtics in person soon enough. The NBA champions are coming. The Cavaliers are ready. James scored 21 points before grabbing an early seat on the bench, Mo Williams added 15 and Cleveland warmed up for its highly anticipated matchup...

Rockets send Celts to 6th loss in last 8 (AP)

Now the Celtics are losing at home, too. Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead and the Rockets beat Boston 89-85 on Wednesday night. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak.

Iguodala's 28 carry 76ers over Rockets (AP)

Andre Iguodala scored 28 points and the reeling Philadelphia 76ers returned home from a dreadful road trip to beat the Houston Rockets 104-96 on Tuesday night. The Sixers needed to escape the Lone Star State to finally defeat a team from Texas. They lost at Dallas and San Antonio in the final two games of a 1-5 road trip and had lost five of seven overall, parking them in last place in the Atlantic...

Bibby's 3 lifts Hawks by Rockets 103-100 (AP)

Mike Bibby made a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining, and Josh Smith scored a season-high 29 points in the Atlanta Hawks' 103-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Joe Johnson had a season-high 14 assists, the last when he drove from the perimeter and into the left side of the lane before passing to Bibby for the winner.

Raptors snap 3-game skid, beat Rockets (AP)

Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani each scored 19 points and the Toronto Raptors snapped a three-game losing streak with a 94-73 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Toronto, which had lost 13 of its last 17 games and four straight at home, held Houston to a season low in points. The Rockets' previous low was Nov.

Raptors' Calderon leaves with hamstring sprain
Toronto guard Jose Calderon left the Raptors' game Friday night against Houston in the second quarter because of a sprained right hamstring.

Raptors F O'Neal out vs. Rockets (AP)
Raptors forward Jermaine O'Neal missed Friday night's game against the Houston Rockets because of a sore right knee, the second consecutive game he has sat out. O'Neal is averaging 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. A six-time All-Star, he missed three straight games in November because of injuries to his left knee and ankle.

Yao, Scola lead Rockets over Bucks 85-81 (AP)

Yao Ming had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Luis Scola added 11 points and 10 boards, and the Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 85-81 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest had 15 points and reserve Carl Landry added 14 as the Rockets beat the Bucks for the eighth straight time, bouncing back from an embarrassing loss to Washington on Monday.

Rockets sign Mutombo, 42, for rest of season
The Houston Rockets have re-signed 42-year-old center Dikembe Mutombo for the rest of the season. The move gives the Rockets an emotional leader and a backup to Yao Ming.

Jamison, Wizards come up with a win in Houston
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Jamison scores 30, Wizards end road skid (AP)

Antawn Jamison scored a season-high 30 points, Andray Blatche added 16 points and eight rebounds and the Washington Wizards snapped a five-game road losing streak with an 89-87 win over the listless Houston Rockets on Monday night. Jamison also grabbed 12 rebounds and Nick Young added 14 points as the Wizards snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Rockets and won in Houston for the first time...

Rockets outlast Jazz 120-115 in 2OT (AP)

The Houston Rockets acquired Ron Artest to win games like this. Artest scored 10 of his 28 points in the second overtime and the Rockets recovered from blowing a 16-point lead in the second half to beat the Utah Jazz 120-115 on Saturday night. Yao Ming had 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who led 59-43 early in the third quarter, then went 3-for-18 from the field in the fourth to...

Paul's 26 and 10 lift Hornets by Rockets (AP)

Chris Paul had 26 points and 10 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a two-game skid with an 88-79 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. David West added 23 points for New Orleans, which led throughout. Tyson Chandler has 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Rasual Butler scored 13 for the Hornets.

Artest out for Rockets vs. Hornets (AP)
Ron Artest missed the Houston Rockets' road game Friday night against the Hornets, who were also short-handed. Artest had a sprained right ankle, Rockets officials said. New Orleans was without swingman Peja Stojakovic and reserve center Hilton Armstrong. Stojakovic remained sideline by back soreness for a fifth-straight game.

Rockets trade Francis to Grizzlies for draft pick
The Houston Rockets traded guard Steve Francis to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2011.

Rockets trade G Francis to Grizzlies (AP)
Oft-injured guard Steve Francis was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2011. The Grizzlies also receive a second-round pick for 2009 and cash. That pick originally belonged to Memphis; it was acquired by the Rockets during last year's draft, part of the deal that brought forward Donte Greene to Houston.

Cavs 14-0 at home after beating Rockets (AP)

LeBron James scored 27 points -- 18 in the second half-- and Mo Williams added 23 as the Cleveland Cavaliers remained the NBA's only undefeated team at home with a 99-90 win Tuesday night over the Houston Rockets. Daniel Gibson made two big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter for the Cavaliers, who improved to 23-2 in their last 25 games and 14-0 at home.

Yao outplays Yi as Rockets beat Nets (AP)

While Yao Ming won the showdown with fellow Chinese Olympian Yi Jianlian, the smallest player on the court stole the show from the 7-footers. Yao had 24 points and 16 rebounds and Aaron Brooks tied his career-high with 22 points as the Houston Rockets won their season-high fourth straight game with a 114-91 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night in a game that was televised live to...

Rockets hand Wolves 12th straight loss (AP)

From dunking on a player 8 inches taller and 55 pounds heavier than he is to swatting away shots and chasing after loose balls, Al Jefferson is trying everything he can to snap the Minnesota Timberwolves out of this miserable slump. Yet nothing seems to be working. Tracy McGrady scored 23 points and the Houston Rockets made 12 3-pointers to hand the Timberwolves their 12th straight loss, 109-102 on...

Rockets hand Wolves 12th straight loss (AP)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit their lowest point in 14 years. Tracy McGrady scored 23 points and the Houston Rockets made 12 3-pointers to hand the Timberwolves their 12th straight loss, 109-102 on Saturday night. Aaron Brooks had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who have won three in a row and seven of their last nine.

Wolves G Miller leaves game vs. Rockets (AP)
Minnesota guard Mike Miller left the Timberwolves' game Saturday night against Houston in the first quarter because of a sprained right ankle. Miller was hurt on a drive to the basket midway through the period. He crashed hard underneath the basket and immediately clutched his right leg. He was helped to the locker room by team officials.

Kings G Udrih out vs. Hornets (AP)
Sacramento's Beno Udrih missed the Kings' game against New Orleans on Saturday night because of a sore left hamstring. Udrih was replaced in the starting lineup by veteran guard Bobby Jackson. Udrih played Friday night in the Kings' loss in Houston, but left the game in the fourth quarter. He was listed as questionable on Saturday until shortly before tipoff.

Yao scores 30 to lead Rockets past Kings (AP)

Yao Ming scored 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Luis Scola earned his seventh double-double of the season and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 107-96 on Friday night. Scola matched a season high with 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Tracy McGrady scored 18 and Carl Landry added 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won six straight at home.

McGrady's triple-double carries Rockets (AP)

Tracy McGrady notched his fourth career triple-double and first this season, Yao Ming scored 32 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 108-96 on Tuesday night. McGrady had 20 points and reached season highs in rebounds (14) and assists (10) for his first triple-double since last December.

Clippers end 7-game skid against Rockets (AP)

Zach Randolph had 30 points and 13 rebounds, Al Thornton scored 26 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Houston Rockets 95-82 on Saturday night to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Randolph, fresh off his 38-point effort in Friday night's double-overtime win at Portland, shot 12-for-23 from the field to help Los Angeles improve to 6-17.

McGrady returns, leads Rockets to win (AP)

Tracy McGrady just missed a triple-double in his return to the court, Yao Ming had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 119-108 Friday night. McGrady, who missed the last seven games with soreness in his left knee, had 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Rockets improved to 15-8, their best record after 23 games since the 1996-97 team started...

Former Kentucky player accused of mortgage fraud
Former Kentucky basketball player Dirk Minniefield has been charged in an alleged $10 million mortgage scheme in the Houston area. The 47-year-old former NBA player was arrested Tuesday at his home by FBI agents after a federal indictment was unsealed. He and three others each face one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and eight counts of wire fraud.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/482074614" height="1" width="1"/

Yao has 24 and 19 as Rockets beat Hawks (AP)

Yao Ming scored 24 points and grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-84 on Tuesday night. Luis Scola added 12 points and 10 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 19 and the Rockets outrebounded Atlanta 57-40 to hand the Hawks their 10th consecutive loss in Houston.

Grizzlies start fast, hold off Rockets (AP)

Rudy Gay scored 20 points, Hakim Warrick and O.J. Mayo added 18 points apiece and the Memphis Grizzlies won their second straight at home, 109-97 over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Memphis made its first six 3-pointers to build an early lead and shot 51 percent overall. Gay, who did not start after arriving late for the shootaround, made eight of 14 shots and Mayo was 7-of-13.

Artest becomes latest Rocket sidelined by injury
Houston forward Ron Artest was held out of Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sore right ankle, the latest Rockets player to be sidelined with an injury.

Rockets F Artest out due to sore ankle (AP)
Houston forward Ron Artest was held out of Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sore right ankle, the latest Rockets player to be sidelined with an injury. Artest, in his 10th year out of St. John's, is the Rockets' second-leading scorer at 15.7 points a game. He scored 28 points in 35-plus minutes against Golden State on Friday night.

Warriors need to play more as a team
From not sharing the ball, to playing little defense, the Warriors hardly looked like a team in a loss to Houston, Charley Rosen says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/476783784" height="1" width="1"/

Yao scores 33 as Rockets beat Warriors (AP)

Yao Ming scored 19 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, and Ron Artest added 28 points to help the Houston Rockets beat Golden State 131-112 on Friday night. Yao also had 14 rebounds and five assists. Rafer Alston and Von Wafer scored 18 points apiece and the Rockets went 13-of-21 from 3-point range to hand the Warriors their eighth straight loss.

Yao, Alston lead Rockets past Clippers (AP)
Yao Ming had 24 points, Rafer Alston sank five 3-pointers and added 21, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-96 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest scored 19 points and Yao grabbed 10 rebounds and went 12-for-13 from the free throw line for the Rockets, who played their fourth straight game without Tracy McGrady.

McGrady says he'll miss 3 weeks with sore knee
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady says he'll miss three weeks to rehabilitate his sore left knee. McGrady has missed Houston's last three games after starting the first 15. He had arthroscopic surgery in May, and admitted he came back a little bit too soon. McGrady is Houston's second-leading scorer, averaging 15.6 points this season. McGrady visited with orthopedist James Andrews on Monday.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/472803561" height="1" width="1"/

Anthony scores 2 points but Nuggets win (AP)
The Denver Nuggets didn't need Carmelo Anthony's usual double-digit performance to beat the Houston Rockets 104-94 Sunday night. Chauncey Billups scored 28 points, including 11 in a 19-7 third-quarter run the Nuggets used to break away from the Rockets, who played their third straight game without injured star Tracy McGrady (sore left foot).

McGrady-less Rockets beat Spurs 103-84 (AP)

Luther Head scored 21 points in place of the injured Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets used balanced scoring to beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-84 on Saturday night. Ron Artest added 16 points and eight rebounds, Yao Ming and Rafer Alston scored 12 points apiece and Luis Scola added 11 for Houston, which had all five starters in double-figures for just the second time this season.

Down 10 in 4th, Pacers top Rockets 91-90 (AP)

Danny Granger tipped in his own miss with 13 seconds left and the Indiana Pacers rallied from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Houston Rockets 91-90 on Wednesday night. Troy Murphy scored 14 of his 21 points in the final quarter as the Pacers snapped a three-game losing streak in Houston.

Rockets complete 3-0 trip, beat Heat (AP)

Yao Ming scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 20 and the Houston Rockets finished off a perfect three-game road trip against the Eastern Conference with an 107-98 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night. Rafer Alston added 14 points for Houston, which finished with six players in double figures and outrebounded Miami 51-35.

Bogans out up to 6 weeks with broken thumb
Magic backup guard Keith Bogans will be out from four to six weeks because of a broken thumb on his non-shooting hand. Bogans was injured during the Magic's game against Houston on Saturday. The 6-foot-5 Bogans, who has been the Magic's top sub during their strong start, has averaged six points in 24 minutes a game. His 36 percent 3-point shooting has helped open the inside game for All-Star center Dwight Howard. With Bogans out, J.J.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/464224189" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets snap Magic's 5-game win streak (AP)

Dwight Howard might be regarded as the best center in the NBA by the end of this season, but Yao Ming let him know that debate still has a ways to go before it's settled. Yao, Houston's 7-foot-6 All-Star, outplayed Howard in nearly every phase Saturday night, scoring 22 points and taking down 13 rebounds while carrying a tired Houston Rocket team to a 100-95 victory over Howard and the Orlando...

Mavs get first home win, beat Grizzlies (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Jason Kidd contributed 18 points and 13 boards, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 91-76 on Friday night for their first home victory of the season. Jason Terry added 20 points for the Mavericks, returning from a 3-0 road trip. Dallas had been 0-4 at home, losing to playoff contenders Houston, Cleveland, the Los Angeles Lakers and...

McGrady scores 14 in 4th as Rockets win (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Yao Ming added 18 to win a battle of awesome wingspans, and the Houston Rockets added to the Washington Wizards' misery with a 103-91 victory Friday night. Quiet for most of the game, McGrady hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 9-0 run that wiped out a nine-point deficit and tied it with 7 minutes to play.

Arenas: Last could be 'for the better' for Wizards
Gilbert Arenas is already thinking about the possibility of a last-place finish for his Washington Wizards - and finding the silver lining. With Arenas still working his way back from a third knee operation in 1 1/2 years, the Wizards are off to a 1-8 start heading into their game Friday against the Houston Rockets.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/460079494" height="1" width="1"/

Howard-less Mavs beat banged-up Rockets (AP)

The way Jason Terry was shooting, the Dallas Mavericks hardly needed Josh Howard on Wednesday night. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, sorely missed Yao Ming. Terry scored 31 points, and Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Mavericks' 96-86 victory over the Rockets. Howard, the Mavs' second-leading scorer, was inactive because of a left ankle injury.

Yao out with sore foot
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with a sore left foot. The team said Yao is being held out "for precautionary reasons" after leaving Monday's game at Oklahoma City with an apparent left ankle injury. Yao underwent tests on Tuesday that revealed no structural damage. Yao broke his left foot last February and missed the final 26 games of the regular season. He had surgery and said he was fully recovered when training camp began.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/458956736" height="1" width="1"/

T-Mac practices day after re-injuring knee
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier practiced with the team for the first time on Tuesday, but Ron Artest and Yao Ming skipped the workout after leaving Monday's win over Oklahoma City with sprained ankles. Tracy McGrady also practiced Tuesday after re-aggravating his sore left knee in Monday's game. McGrady was going to have an MRI on the knee, but decided with team officials that the test was unnecessary and practiced instead.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/457757518" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets overcome McGrady's injury in win (AP)

Luis Scola scored 23 points, Yao Ming added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets made a second-half surge without injured seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-89 on Monday night. McGrady left the game in the opening minute of the second half after aggravating his surgically repaired left knee, but the Rockets were still able to mount a 14-3 run...

Rockets stifle Paul to top Hornets 91-82 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Houston Rockets bottled up Chris Paul in a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Paul, who came in averaging 22 points, went 2-for-10 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line to score 12.

Down 14 in 4th, Spurs top Rockets 77-75 (AP)

Tim Duncan scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks' layup with a second left in the San Antonio Spurs' 77-75 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Rookie George Hill, playing in place of Tony Parker at point guard for the Spurs, added 17 points to help San Antonio -- down 14 points with 7:37 to go -- improve to 3-5.

Rockets-Suns suspensions: Alston, Barnes, Nash
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight.

Nash, Alston, Barnes suspended for fight
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O'Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000 on Friday for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday. Barnes knocked back Alston with his shoulder late in the third quarter, and Alston charged him.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/453304394" height="1" width="1"/

Nash, Barnes, Alston suspended for fight (AP)
The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight. Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O'Neal $35,000 and Tracy McGrady $25,000 on Friday for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Rockets win game marked by skirmish (AP)

Tracy McGrady snapped out of a slump to score 22 of his 27 points in the second half Wednesday night, and the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 94-82 in a game that featured a scoring landmark for Shaquille O'Neal and a skirmish that drew two ejections and seven technical fouls. McGrady, 1-for-16 shooting in his previous two games, made 11 of 18 shots, going 9-of-14 in the second half as the...

Lakers improve to 5-0, rout Rockets (AP)

Shocking as it might sound, the Los Angeles Lakers broke out of a shooting slump Sunday night. Shocking because they haven't lost a game so far this season. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, Pau Gasol added 20 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots, and the Lakers shot 65.8 percent in the second half in a 111-82 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Houston joins New York Knicks front office
Unable to make a comeback on the court, Allan Houston was given a front office position with the New York Knicks on Friday, hired as the assistant to the president for basketball operations. Houston, the fourth-leading scorer in franchise history, was waived during preseason last month to end his second attempt to return to the game. He initially retired in October 2005 because of chronic knee pain.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/446068481" height="1" width="1"/

Knicks hire former guard Houston to front office
Unable to make a comeback on the court, Allan Houston was given a front office position with the New York Knicks on Friday, hired as the assistant to the president for basketball operations.

Roy's long buzzer-beater lifts Blazers (AP)
Brandon Roy immediately started looking for an opportunity to redeem himself after he made a big mistake Thursday night. He didn't have to wait very long. Roy made a 30-foot jumper as time expired in overtime to lift the Portland Trail Blazers to a thrilling 101-99 win over the Houston Rockets. LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Blazers, who snapped a five-game losing streak...

Allen's 29 help Celts hold off Rockets (AP)
Boston's Big 3 outplayed Houston's trio of stars Tuesday night. Ray Allen scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics shut down Ron Artest and Yao Ming in a 103-99 victory over the Rockets. Tracy McGrady scored 26 points for Houston and tried to rally the Rockets (3-1) down the stretch against the defending NBA champions.

McGrady, Yao help Rockets move to 3-0 (AP)
Tracy McGrady had 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 89-77 on Saturday night for their third straight win. Carl Landry had 14 points and a career-high tying 11 rebounds for Houston. Ron Artest, Luis Scola and Rafer Alston added 10 points apiece. Houston wasn't sharp offensively, shooting just 36 percent, but led almost the entire way with excellent...

Carlisle loses Mavs debut as Rockets win (AP)
Yao Ming and Ron Artest powered a 16-2 run late in the fourth quarter, carrying the Houston Rockets to a 112-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night in the debut of new Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. Yao finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Artest scored 29 points. He had seven points in the decisive run, which began with the game tied at 92.

Yao scores 21, Artest 16 as Rockets win (AP)
Since acquiring Ron Artest in the offseason, the Houston Rockets have talked boldly about contending for the NBA championship. They have plenty of improvements to make before that happens. Yao Ming had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Artest added 16 in his Houston debut, and the Rockets overcame poor shooting to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-71 on Wednesday night.

Rockets' Brooks out 1-3 weeks with ankle bruise
Houston Rockets backup point guard Aaron Brooks will miss 1-3 weeks because of a bone bruise in his right ankle.

Rockets' Brooks out 1-3 weeks with ankle bruise
Houston Rockets backup point guard Aaron Brooks will miss 1-3 weeks because of a bone bruise in his right ankle. Brooks averaged 14.4 points and 4.1 assists in seven preseason games. The Rockets' first-round draft pick in 2007, Brooks averaged 5.2 points and 1.7 assists in 51 games last season. The Rockets open the regular season against Memphis on Wednesday.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/434062332" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets backup PG Brooks out 1-3 weeks (AP)
Houston Rockets backup point guard Aaron Brooks will miss 1-3 weeks because of a bone bruise in his right ankle. Brooks averaged 14.4 points and 4.1 assists in seven preseason games. The Rockets' first-round draft pick in 2007, Brooks averaged 5.2 points and 1.7 assists in 51 games last season. The Rockets open the regular season against Memphis on Wednesday.

Rockets prepare for a title run (AP)
The Houston Rockets want to be this season's Boston Celtics. Like Boston last season, the Rockets assembled a "Big Three" of their own by acquiring Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Artest, who averaged 20.5 points with Sacramento last season, adds toughness, versatility and a third scoring option the Rockets have lacked since McGrady arrived in 2004.

Houston's comeback with Knicks derailed again
The Knicks have cut Allan Houston, but they hope to keep him in in the organization in a yet-to-be determined role. It is the second consecutive year that Houston's return to the court has failed.

Houston's comeback with Knicks over (AP)
Allan Houston's latest attempt to come back as a player with the New York Knicks ended Thursday and he began discussions with the team about a role within the organization. The Knicks also waived swingman Dan Grunfeld, trimming their roster to 16 players. Houston was forced to retire in October 2005 because of chronic knee pain, and has attempted a comeback in each of the last two preseasons.

Artest helps Rockets beat Kings 95-90 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 15 points, Ron Artest added 13 in his first game against his former team and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 95-90 in a preseason game on Friday night. Yao played 27 minutes before twisting his right ankle and leaving for good with 3:07 left in the third quarter. The Rockets said the injury was minor, but coach Rick Adelman didn't take any chances with the All-Star...

Durant's 26 lead Thunder to first win (AP)

Kevin Durant wasn't going to let a bum ankle spoil the Oklahoma City Thunder's first game in their new home state. Durant shrugged off a late injury and scored 20 of his 26 points in an electrifying final 8 minutes to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Houston Rockets 110-104 on Monday night for their first preseason win.

Stein: Artest is worth the risk
Ron Artest doesn't want to be the No. 1 guy in Houston, and if he has to, he would be the sixth man if it means a title run, writes Marc Stein.

Rockets beat short-handed Spurs (AP)

Ron Artest had 18 points and five rebounds and Luis Scola added 13 points as the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 85-78 on Thursday night. Yao Ming scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in two quarters for the Rockets, while Tracy McGrady was in uniform, but did not play because of a sore left knee.

Artest scores 15 in Rockets' debut (AP)

Ron Artest scored 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter of his Houston debut and the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-93 in the preseason opener on Tuesday night. Tracy McGrady sat out to rest his sore left knee. The Rockets star had offseason surgery to remove loose tissue in the knee and said last week that it was healing slower than expected.

McGrady needs to shut up and play
Tracy McGrady needs to be a rock for Houston to contend in the West. Early returns don't look promising, Mike Kahn says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/408397088" height="1" width="1"/

Knicks G Houston sits out, taking comeback slow
Allan Houston made it through only one full practice before pulling himself out. Not a very promising sign for a guy attempting a comeback.

McGrady says shoulder arthritic, knee slow to heal
The Houston Rockets, buzzing about the arrival of Ron Artest, already have injury concerns with Tracy McGrady. Houston's leading scorer said Monday that his left shoulder is arthritic and will require surgery after this season. He also said his left knee is healing slower than expected from surgery in the spring. McGrady sprained his shoulder against Sacramento on March 24, and wore padding to protect it for the rest of the season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406724992" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets sign second-round pick Dorsey
Rookie forward Joey Dorsey agreed to a contract Monday with the Houston Rockets. The 6-foot-8 Dorsey was drafted by Portland early in the second round before the Rockets acquired his rights. Dorsey was twice named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year for Memphis, where he was the league's career rebounding leader. The Rockets also signed center Marcus Campbell and guard Von Wafer.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406475508" height="1" width="1"/

Battier will miss most of preseason
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier will be sidelined up to four weeks and miss most of preseason because of an inflammation in his left foot. He had surgery May 9 to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, and the team said the foot inflammation occurred during rehabilitation. The Rockets open training camp Tuesday. The 6-foot-8 forward started 78 games last season and averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. He was one of the team's most dependable 3-point shooters, hitting 38 percent.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/404086762" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets' Battier to miss month with injured foot
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier will be sidelined up to four weeks and miss most of preseason because of an inflammation in his left foot.

Rockets F Battier to miss up to 4 weeks (AP)
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier will be sidelined up to four weeks and miss most of preseason because of an inflammation in his left foot. He had surgery May 9 to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, and the team said the foot inflammation occurred during rehabilitation. The Rockets open training camp Tuesday.

Rockets match Bobcats' offer sheet, keep Landry
The Rockets matched the Bobcats' three-year, $9 million offer sheet for restricted free-agent Carl Landry on Thursday, keeping the forward in Houston. The Rockets took less than 24 hours to make the move, leaving Charlotte still searching for frontcourt depth before the start of training camp next week. "We obviously thought it was a good opportunity to get the guy," Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said. "But it's part of the business.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/403163295" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets match Bobcats' offer sheet, keep Landry
The Rockets matched the Bobcats' three-year, $9 million offer sheet for restricted free-agent Carl Landry on Thursday, keeping the forward in Houston.

Houston signs with Knicks, will try comeback
Allan Houston has signed with the New York Knicks and will attempt another comeback with his former team. Houston is fourth on the Knicks' career scoring list. He signed a free-agent contract Thursday and will be in training camp next week with the team he led to the 1999 NBA finals. Forced to retire in 2005 because of knee pain, Houston briefly tried a comeback last year with the Knicks.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/403077259" height="1" width="1"/

Houston signs on for second comeback with Knicks
Allan Houston has signed with the Knicks and will attempt another comeback with his former team.

Knicks bring in Houston, keep Marbury for now
Not only will Stephon Marbury be at New York Knicks training camp next Tuesday in Saratoga, but so will Allan Houston. Again.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/401806082" height="1" width="1"/

Bobcats sign Landry to $9M offer sheet
The Charlotte Bobcats signed Houston Rockets restricted free-agent forward Carl Landry to an offer sheet on Wednesday. The Rockets have a week to decide whether to match the offer or lose Landry to Charlotte. The 6-foot-9, 248-pound Landry averaged 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 42 games for the Rockets as a rookie last season. Houston extended him a qualifying offer, but the two sides have not been able to reach a deal.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/402253745" height="1" width="1"/

Bobcats extend offer to Rockets F Landry (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats moved to bolster their thin frontcourt Wednesday, extending an offer sheet to Houston Rockets restricted free-agent forward Carl Landry. Terms of the deal weren't immediately available. The Rockets have a week to decide whether to match the offer or lose Landry to Charlotte. The 6-foot-9, 248-pound Landry averaged 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 42 games for the Rockets as a...

Rockets buy supplies for Ike victims (AP)
The Houston Rockets purchased four tractor-trailers full of food, water and toiletries for victims of Hurricane Ike and players unloaded them at a distribution center Thursday. The four trucks carried 80,000 pounds of supplies, said team spokeswoman Tracey Hughes. Forwards Mike Harris and Chuck Hayes and guards Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks and Luther Head carried boxes of food and orange juice.

Allan Houston, G - NY
Houston, we might have another run w/ Knicks Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Hayes has surgery on broken nose
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes had surgery Thursday to repair a broken nose. The 6-foot-6 Hayes, Houston's third-leading rebounder last season at 5.4 per game, was hurt during a morning workout.

Knicks acquire Ewing Jr. from Rockets (AP)
Talk about pressure. Patrick Ewing Jr. is following in the footsteps of his famous father again. The New York Knicks acquired the younger Ewing from the Houston Rockets on Friday in exchange for the draft rights to center Frederic Weis, one of the most widely panned picks in franchise history. "Coming to the Knicks, and hopefully being able to contribute, means a lot to me," Ewing Jr.

Knicks acquire Ewing Jr. from Rockets (AP)
The New York Knicks acquired Patrick Ewing Jr. in a trade with the Houston Rockets on Friday. New York sent the draft rights for center Frederic Weis to Houston in exchange for the son of former superstar Patrick Ewing, who played for the Knicks from 1985-2000.

Just like dad: Patrick Ewing Jr. lands with Knicks
The New York Knicks acquired Patrick Ewing Jr. in a trade with the Houston Rockets on Friday.

Knicks acquire Ewing Jr. from Rockets
The New York Knicks acquired Patrick Ewing Jr. in a trade with the Houston Rockets on Friday. New York sent the draft rights for center Frederic Weis to Houston in exchange for the son of former superstar Patrick Ewing, who played for the Knicks from 1985-2000.

Rockets' rebounding ace Hayes has nose surgery
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes had surgery Thursday to repair a broken nose.

Rockets F Hayes has surgery on nose (AP)
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes had surgery Thursday to repair a broken nose. The 6-foot-6 Hayes, Houston's third-leading rebounder last season at 5.4 per game, was hurt during a morning workout.

Suns ship Strawberry to Rockets for Singletary
The Phoenix Suns traded guard D.J. Strawberry to the Houston Rockets on Monday for rookie guard Sean Singletary.

Suns trade G Strawberry to Rockets (AP)
The Phoenix Suns traded guard D.J. Strawberry to the Houston Rockets on Monday for rookie guard Sean Singletary. "Sean gives us depth at the point guard spot," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. "We like his instincts and his ability to run a team. He also puts a lot of pressure on the ball." Singletary was the 42nd overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Sacramento Kings, who quickly sent him along...

Rockets formally announce Artest trade
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Rockets announced the five-player trade with Sacramento that also brought forward Patrick Ewing Jr. and guard Sean Singletary in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and Houston's first-round pick next year. "This is definitely the high point of my career," Artest said in a conference call. "It's the biggest opportunity I've ever had playing basketball.

Artest: Going to Houston 'high point of my career'
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Yao lifts host China to first hoops win (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming scored 30 points to lead China to an 85-68 win against Angola Thursday, giving the Olympic hosts their first victory of the Summer Games in men's basketball. Using an overwhelming height advantage, China dominated under basket and exploited frequently sloppy play by the African champions for easy baskets.

Rockets' Alston due in court to answer DUI charge
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston is due in court Thursday for arraignment on a misdemeanor drunken driving charge.

Bowen re-signs with Hornets for 2008-09
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.

Hornets re-sign F Ryan Bowen (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes...

Argentina stunned by Lithuania in hoops opener
Manu Ginobli's 19 points wasn't enough as defending Olympic champion Argentina stumbled to a narrow 79-75 defeat to Lithuania in its opening Group A match on Sunday. In what had been a tight game, the San Antonio Spurs' shooting guard and his teammates were nearly shut down in the third quarter as Lithuania ran up a 51-45 lead. Ginobli and Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola were restricted to just two points each in the period.

Rockets trade Novak to Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Steve Novak, a forward who can shoot from the perimeter, in a deal with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. In return, the Rockets will have the option to exchange second-round picks with the Clippers in the 2011 NBA draft. Last season, his second in the NBA, the 6-foot-10, 220-pound Novak averaged 3.9 points while playing in 35 games for Houston. He went 34-of-71 (.479) from 3-point range.

Clippers acquire F Novak from Rockets (AP)
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Steve Novak, a forward who can shoot from the perimeter, in a deal with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. In return, the Rockets will have the option to exchange second-round picks with the Clippers in the 2011 NBA draft. Last season, his second in the NBA, the 6-foot-10, 220-pound Novak averaged 3.9 points while playing in 35 games for Houston.

Yao apologizes for comments about Artest's past
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston.

Yao ends rift, welcomes Artest to Rockets
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player - likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Yao now welcoming Artest to Rockets (AP)
BEIJING (STATS) -- Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Reports: Artest responds to Yao's concerns
Before Ron Artest arrives in Houston, his reputation is preceding him.

Yao held to 14, China falls to Australia (AP)
Yao Ming was held to 14 points and the rest of China's team was overwhelmed by dogged Australia defense in a 67-55 loss Wednesday in a pre-Olympic warmup. The Houston Rockets center was 5-for-8 from the field in 30 minutes. Yao had few touches as Australia forcing 25 turnovers. "We have a lot to improve on in a short time, but we will do our best," Yao said.

Rockets take a good risk on bad boy Artest
Houston is taking a risk trading for the NBA's resident head case, but Charley Rosen says the potential upside makes it worth it.

Reports: Rockets set to acquire Artest
Ron Artest may be heading to Houston soon. The Rockets have agreed to a deal with the Kings, according to multiple reports.

Reports: Rockets to acquire Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Report: Rockets to get Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Rockets close to acquiring Artest (AP)
The Houston Rockets are close to an agreement to acquire Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, who played for the Kings from 2000-05, and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene, according to two NBA people who confirmed the deal, but spoke on condition of anonymity...

Trail Blazers sign G Batum (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers signed French guard-forward Nicolas Batum on Wednesday. The 6-foot-8 19-year-old was the 25th overall pick in the draft by Houston, which traded his rights to Portland for picks Darrell Arthur (27th overall) and Joey Dorsey (33rd overall). Batum played the past three seasons for MSB Le Mans of the French ProA League.

Yao rusty in return to action for China
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming played in his first game in almost six months Thursday, joining China's national team in an Olympics warmup against Serbia. Entering to huge applause from the crowd in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Yao appeared rusty in scoring six points over seven minutes in the first half. Four of those came from free throws, helping China race to a 51-39 lead after the second quarter.

Report: Yao Ming return likely this week
Chinese newspapers say Yao Ming is likely to resume working out with China's national basketball team later this week. The Houston Rockets' center has a "very high" chance of playing in China's three games at the Stankovic Cup Olympic warmup tournament in the eastern city of Hangzhou, Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the Chinese Basketball Association was quoted as saying by newspapers. China's first game is against Serbia on Thursday.

Family ties: Brent is third Barry to play for Rockets
The Houston Rockets signed free agent Brent Barry to a two-year contract on Thursday, making him the third member of the family to join the franchise.

Rockets sign Brent Barry to 2-year deal (AP)
The Houston Rockets signed free agent Brent Barry to a two-year contract on Thursday, making him the third member of the family to join the franchise. The 6-foot-7 Barry played 31 games with San Antonio last season and shot 43 percent (48-for-112) from 3-point range. A 13-year veteran, Barry will play for his sixth NBA team after stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls,...

Mavs take flyer on former dunk champion Green
Former slam dunk champion Gerald Green signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The 6-foot-8, 200-pound swingman is known mostly for his exploits in the last two dunk contests, winning it in 2007 and finishing second to Dwight Howard this year. In games that count, he has career averages of 8.1 points and 2.2 rebounds. He's played for Boston, Minnesota and Houston in his three-year career since being drafted 18th overall coming out of high school.

Yao set to join Chinese Olympic team workouts
Yao Ming will return to light training with China's national team Friday, and expects to play in pre-Olympic warmup games. The fitness of the Houston Rockets center for the Beijing Olympics has been a subject of national concern in China since he suffered a stress fracture to his left foot in February, ending his NBA season and threatening his star turn as part of China's team at the games.

No decision yet on whether Yao will play in July
A top official of China's national basketball team says no decision has been made as to whether Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will play in an Olympic warm-up tournament next month.

Cavs' Daniel Gibson has ankle surgery
Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle Tuesday and is expected to be ready for training camp. The second-year guard, a restricted free agent, had the operation in Houston, his hometown. The team said he is expected to start rehab next week. Gibson sprained his ankle Feb. 20 at Indiana and sat out 18 games. He missed the final two games of the playoff series against Boston with a separated shoulder. One of the Cavs' best outside shooters, he averaged 10.

Cavs G Gibson undergoes ankle surgery (AP)
Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle Tuesday and is expected to be ready for training camp. The second-year guard, a restricted free agent, had the operation in Houston, his hometown. The team said he is expected to start rehab next week. Gibson sprained his ankle Feb.

Yao shaken by China's earthquake tragedy
Yao Ming wakes up each morning and immediately heads for the computer to get the latest on the earthquake that devastated China. The Houston Rockets All-Star center and China's most recognizable athlete awoke Sunday to more bad news: a powerful aftershock had killed one person and destroyed 70,000 homes. "Every day the number is going up. This morning it was over 62,000 people killed," Yao said. "We are very sad for the people we have lost in the earthquake.

Yao shaken by China's earthquake tragedy (AP)

Yao Ming wakes up each morning and immediately heads for the computer to get the latest on the earthquake that devastated China. The Houston Rockets All-Star center and China's most recognizable athlete awoke Sunday to more bad news: a powerful aftershock had killed one person and destroyed 70,000 homes.

Suns to interview Rockets' assistant Turner
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates. Porter, a Detroit Pistons' assistant and former head coach at Milwaukee, was interviewed by Suns general manager Steve Kerr on Tuesday.

Suns to interview Rockets asst. Turner (AP)
The Phoenix Suns will interview Houston Rockets assistant Elston Turner as a replacement for former head coach Mike D'Antoni. The interview will be next week, the team said Friday. The 48-year-old Turner has been an assistant to coach Rick Adelman for 11 years with Portland, Sacramento and Houston. Turner joins Terry Porter and Mark Jackson as candidates.

Mutombo says he wants to play another season
Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo still isn't ready to retire.

Rockets' Mutombo wants to play another year
Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo still isn't ready to retire. "I'm going to consider to keep playing basketball. The next part will be to tell my lawyer, David Falk," Mutombo said in Thursday's online edition of the Houston Chronicle. "My body and my mind is responding to the thrill of the game. The coaches and the fans and everyone are in there." Mutombo, listed at 42 years old, had considered retiring last year and then decided to play one more season.

Rockets' Yao 'saddened' by earthquake in China
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming said he was "saddened" by news of Monday's massive earthquake in China, calling it a "dark and emotional" time for his country.

Yao 'saddened' by China earthquake (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming said he was "saddened" by news of Monday's massive earthquake in China, calling it a "dark and emotional" time for his country. The epicenter of the magnitude 7.9 quake was in the central Sichuan province. Officials said Tuesday the death toll was about 15,000 and expected to climb.

Horry plays in record 238th playoff game (AP)
Spurs forward Robert Horry set an NBA record by appearing in his 238th playoff game during Game 5 of San Antonio's series against New Orleans on Tuesday night. Coming into the playoffs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the previous record for playoff appearances with 237. Horry, in his 16th season, has been in the playoffs in all of them, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets and San Antonio...

Rockets' Battier, Alston get some ankle work done
Houston forward Shane Battier and point guard Rafer Alston had minor surgical procedures to repair injuries that occurred late in the season.

Rockets' Battier, Alston have surgery (AP)
Houston forward Shane Battier and point guard Rafer Alston had minor surgical procedures to repair injuries that occurred late in the season. Battier underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs in his left ankle. Alston's surgery repaired ligament and tendon damage in his right ankle. Both procedures were performed Friday.

Rockets' McGrady undergoes arthroscopic surgery
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder and left knee on Tuesday. Dr. Tom Clanton, the team physician, told the Houston Chronicle that no structural damage was found in the ligament or cartilage of McGrady's knee. Loose particles were removed from both the knee and the shoulder. The newspaper said Dr. Hussein Elkhousy repaired a slight labrum tear on McGrady's shoulder.

Rockets' McGrady has surgery on shoulder, knee
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder and left knee on Tuesday.

McGrady has shoulder and knee surgery (AP)
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder and left knee on Tuesday. Dr. Tom Clanton, the team physician, told the Houston Chronicle that no structural damage was found in the ligament or cartilage of McGrady's knee. Loose particles were removed from both the knee and the shoulder.

Jazz overcome McGrady's 40, oust Rockets (AP)

Deron Williams scored 13 of his 25 points in the decisive third quarter, and the Utah Jazz beat Houston 113-91 on Friday night to win the series 4-2 and knock the Rockets out of the playoffs in the opening round for the second straight year. The Jazz were determined to avoid a Game 7 in Houston, site of their embarrassing 95-69 loss in Game 5 on Tuesday.

Bryant leads Lakers into Game 1 vs. Jazz (AP)
When the Staples Center crowd chants "MVP! MVP" in Kobe Bryant's direction Sunday, it won't simply be based on sentiment. While the Los Angeles Lakers' players were watching the finale of the Houston-Utah first-round playoff series Friday night at a Hollywood restaurant, Bryant received an e-mail informing him he had won his first Most Valuable Player award.

Rockets G Alston out with ankle injury (AP)
Houston point guard Rafer Alston left Game 6 of the playoffs Friday night against Utah in the second quarter after spraining his right ankle. X-ray results were negative, but the Rockets said the sprain was bad enough that Alston would not play in the second half of a game Houston needed to win to avoid elimination.

Lakers relax, wait for next round's opponent
The Los Angeles Lakers planned a players-only gathering Friday night to have dinner and watch Game 6 of the Houston-Utah first-round playoff series.

Jazz try to finish off Rockets in Utah (AP)
The playoff series the Utah Jazz appeared to have firmly in their control could be teetering. The Jazz host the Houston Rockets on Friday in Game 6 of the best-of-7 series. Utah leads 3-2 and is just one victory away from advancing to the second round, but the Jazz are also only one loss away from a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Houston.

Rockets stay alive, rip Jazz 95-69 (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 29 points, Luis Scola added 18 points and 12 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets staved off elimination Tuesday night by routing the Utah Jazz 95-69 in Game 5 of their first-round series. Dikembe Mutombo grabbed 10 rebounds as the Rockets cut their series deficit to 3-2 and forced Game 6 in Utah on Friday night.

Rockets loose heading into Game 5 (AP)
The Houston Rockets were loose and laughing on Monday, wrapping up another practice with the same free throw contest they've played since training camp. If the Rockets were stressed about facing elimination in Game 5 against Utah on Tuesday night, they were hiding it. "Practice was competitive and guys were going after it," forward Shane Battier said.

Jazz try to close out Rockets on Tuesday (AP)

Sweeping the Rockets in Houston, then splitting two games back in Utah wasn't exactly what the Jazz had in mind. But with a 3-1 series lead and one victory away from advancing to the second round, the Jazz can easily brush aside the disappointment of losing at home in Game 3, especially after holding off the Rockets down the stretch and winning 86-82 on Saturday in Game 4.

Williams pushes Jazz to 3-1 series lead (AP)

Mehmet Okur can expect to get something nice from teammate Deron Williams. Okur bailed out Williams when he missed two free throws with 7.3 seconds left, then Okur made two from the line to seal an 86-82 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday that put the Jazz up 3-1 in the best-of-7 series. "Memo saved my butt.

McGrady leads Rocket by Jazz 94-92 (AP)

Tracy McGrady snapped out of his fourth-quarter slump and scored seven of his 27 points in the final period, leading Houston to a 94-92 victory over Utah on Thursday night that gave the Rockets life in a series that could have been headed for a sweep. Rafer Alston added 20 points and five assists in his first game in nearly two weeks as Houston avoided falling behind 3-0 in the series by beating...

Rockets hope to return home with 2-2 tie (AP)
The Utah Jazz will be going back to Texas next week, after all. Whether they take a 3-1 lead with them or a 2-2 tie will depend on what happens Saturday against the Houston Rockets, who are back in the series after a 94-92 win on the road Thursday. "We won last night and the whole mood changed," Houston coach Rick Adelman said Friday.

Up 2-0, Jazz could end series at home (AP)
The Utah Jazz won where they weren't expected to -- twice. Now, the Jazz have to live up to their reputation of being one of the most difficult home teams in the NBA. Utah leads Houston 2-0 in the best-of-7 series and could end it without having to take another road trip until the next round. Game 3 is Thursday night, when the Jazz can either move one step closer to a series sweep or allow Tracy...

T-Mac, Rockets put themselves in big hole
T-Mac and the Rockets couldn't take care of business at home, as the Jazz won in Houston again for a 2-0 series lead.

Jazz beat Rockets for 2-0 series lead (AP)

Tracy McGrady disappeared again in the fourth quarter and the Utah Jazz took a commanding lead in their playoff series with the Houston Rockets. Deron Williams shrugged off an ankle injury and scored 22 points and Mehmet Okur added 16 points and 16 rebounds as the Jazz beat the Rockets 90-84 on Monday night to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

D-Will, Okur help Jazz take another in Houston


Rockets looking for answers vs. Jazz (AP)
Yao Ming walked toward the Houston Rockets' locker room and was asked if he was ready to play Monday in Game 2 against Utah. "That's a secret," Yao said with a smile. If only the Rockets could spring a surprise like that. The cold reality for Houston is that Yao is nowhere near ready to play and is still facing a long recovery from a broken left foot.

Jazz win Game 1 in Houston, 93-82 (AP)
Yao Ming walked toward the Houston Rockets' locker room and was asked if he was ready to play Monday in Game 2 against Utah. "That's a secret," Yao said with a smile. If only the Rockets could spring a surprise like that. The cold reality for Houston is that Yao is nowhere near ready to play and is still facing a long recovery from a broken left foot.

Jazz trio proves too much for Rockets (AP)

Who says the Utah Jazz can't play well on the road? Andrei Kirilenko scored 21 points, Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 16 rebounds and the Utah Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 93-82 in the opener of their first-round series Saturday night. Deron Williams had 20 points and 10 assists as Utah, 17-24 on the road during the regular season, won its second straight playoff game in Houston.

Jazz get road win in Houston vs. Rockets


McGrady aims to win first playoff series (AP)
Maybe this will be the year for Tracy McGrady. Winless in six playoff series, McGrady is running out of chances to amend his legacy of postseason failures. Utah's victory over Houston in seven games last year left him in tears. Now, he's back again, and facing a familiar foe. The Rockets open a first-round series against those same Jazz in Houston on Saturday night.

Jazz hit road for Houston, where they were 17-24
The NBA's top home team is starting the playoffs on the road. Utah's chances at getting home-court advantage in the opening round were soundly crushed by the San Antonio Spurs in a regular season finale that showed just how vulnerable the Jazz have been on the road. Because of the 109-80 loss Wednesday, the Jazz will be opening the first round of the playoffs Saturday at Houston. Utah was an NBA-best 37-4 at home, but just 17-24 on the road this season.

Jazz ready to travel difficult road (AP)

SALT LAKE CITY -- The NBA's top home team is starting the playoffs on the road. Utah's chances at getting home-court advantage in the opening round were soundly crushed by the San Antonio Spurs in a regular season finale that showed just how vulnerable the Jazz have been on the road. Because of the 109-80 loss Wednesday, the Jazz will be opening the first round of the playoffs Saturday at Houston.

Alston out at least a week with hamstring injury
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston will miss at least a week with a strained right hamstring. The 6-foot-2 Alston suffered the injury in the Rockets' 111-94 loss to Denver on Sunday. He sat out Monday's loss in Utah. Alston underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday that revealed a moderate to severe strain. The Rockets said he would miss at least a week of playing time. Alston has started 74 of the Rockets' 81 games this season, averaging 13 points and five assists per game.

Spurs wrap up No. 3 seed, will play Suns (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs in dominant fashion, routing the Utah Jazz 109-80 on Wednesday night. The Spurs will face the sixth-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round. The Jazz will take on the Houston Rockets. The Spurs' win, coupled with Houston's victory earlier Wednesday evening, firmed up seeds 3-6 in the West, which were still up in the air...

Rockets gain No. 5 seed, will meet Jazz (AP)

The Houston Rockets did their part on Wednesday night and earned a first-round playoff rematch with the Utah Jazz. Luis Scola had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the Rockets locked up the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 93-75 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets will play Utah in the first round for the second straight season.

Rockets' Alston to miss week with hamstring strain
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston will miss at least a week with a strained right hamstring.

Jazz get key 105-96 win over Rockets (AP)

Carlos Boozer scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as Utah beat Houston 105-96 on Monday, pulling the Jazz even with the Rockets in the muddled Western Conference standings with one game to go in the regular season. Both teams are 54-27, but by winning two of three against the Rockets the Jazz would hold home-court advantage if they still have identical records after Wednesday and meet in...

Nuggets near playoffs, rout Rockets (AP)

Allen Iverson and J.R. Smith put the enigmatic Denver Nuggets on the cusp of the NBA playoffs. Iverson scored 33 points and Smith sparked the Nuggets out of their early doldrums with a 23-point performance in Denver's 111-94 rout of the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. All the Nuggets have to do now to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight time is beat lowly Memphis on Wednesday night at home.

Warriors move into tie for 8th in West (AP)

To sneak into the playoffs after their fascinating, frustrating season, the Golden State Warriors know they'll need all kinds of breaks they probably don't deserve. Yet they got two big ones on Saturday night -- and now they're hoping the Houston Rockets can help them a bit further along an improbable path to the postseason.

McGrady, Scola lead Rockets past Suns (AP)

The Houston Rockets keep playing short-handed and finding ways to win. Tracy McGrady had 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Luis Scola added 19 points as the Rockets cruised to a 101-90 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. McGrady sat out Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder and the Rockets won 103-80.

A Dream forever: Olajuwon monument revealed
The Houston Rockets unveiled a bronze monument honoring Hakeem Olajuwon before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

Rockets unveil statue honoring Olajuwon (AP)
The Houston Rockets unveiled a bronze monument honoring Hakeem Olajuwon before Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Olajuwon, 45, nicknamed "The Dream," retired after the 2001-02 season as the NBA's all-time shot blocker (3,830). The 12-time All-Star was the league MVP in 1994 and led the Rockets to their only two championships, in '94 and '95.

McGrady says he'll play against Suns
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady will play against Phoenix on Friday night after missing Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder. But team officials said Rockets forward Shane Battier was questionable for the game with a bruised left foot and ankle. Battier played 18 minutes on Wednesday, then sat out most of the second half as the Rockets pulled away for a 103-80 victory. Houston is 53-25, one-half game ahead of Phoenix in the tight Western Conference standings.

McGrady says he'll play Friday with sore shoulder
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady will play against Phoenix on Friday night after missing Wednesday's game against Seattle with a sore left shoulder.

Rockets rout Sonics without McGrady (AP)

Rafer Alston scored 18 points and Luis Scola added 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Houston Rockets, playing without Tracy McGrady, easily beat the Seattle SuperSonics 103-80 on Wednesday night. McGrady sat out with a sore left shoulder that's bothered him for more than a week, but the Rockets didn't miss him against the Sonics, who've lost 11 straight road games and 18 of their last 20 games...

Stoudemire helps Suns win without O'Neal (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 127-113 on Tuesday night despite playing without an injured Shaquille O'Neal. Stoudemire shot 10-of-13 from the field as the Suns won their eighth straight over the Grizzlies and moved a half-game behind the idle Houston Rockets for the fifth spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Rockets beat Clippers to clinch playoffs (AP)

The Houston Rockets clinched a playoff berth Sunday night. They didn't find that to be a cause for celebration. "We knew we were going to make the playoffs," Rockets star Tracy McGrady said after his team's 105-79 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. "What are we going to do when we get there? Clinching is pretty good, but it's not what we want to celebrate." Rookie Aaron Brooks came off the bench...

McGrady's big 3rd quarter lifts Rockets (AP)

Tracy McGrady insists he's not normal. Really? After a relatively mortal first half, McGrady ignored the pain in his injured left shoulder to score 18 of his 25 points in the third quarter, and the Houston Rockets kept pace in the wild Western Conference playoff race with a 79-66 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Friday night.

McGrady's 35 lead Rockets by Blazers (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 26 of his 35 points in the second half, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 95-88 Thursday night. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Houston. The Rockets, once atop the Western Conference with a 22-game winning streak, are currently in fifth place with the Phoenix Suns.

Webster diagnosed with irregular heartbeat
Trail Blazers swingman Martell Webster will miss Sunday's game against San Antonio with an irregular heartbeat. Webster was dizzy and felt sick before Portland's loss to Houston on Thursday night, leading the team to send him to the hospital. The Trail Blazers say additional tests Friday revealed the irregular heartbeat and Webster will see the team's cardiologist early next week. The 21-year-old is averaging 10.7 points in 75 games.

Ming seeks traditional cure to heal foot injury
Yao Ming will seek traditional Chinese medicine to help heal a stress fracture after opting for surgery last month. The Houston Rockets center was back in China to consult with traditional medicine practitioners about his NBA season-ending foot injury. Yao said Friday he also plans to see players on the Chinese national team and talk with coach Jonas Kazlauskas about strategy for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Blazers' Webster taken to hospital (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Martell Webster was hospitalized Thursday because of flu-like symptoms and dizziness. Further details weren't immediately available. Webster, averaging 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds, leads the team with 123 3-pointers. The Blazers faced Houston on Thursday night.

Kings deal Rockets costly loss, 99-98 (AP)

If the Sacramento Kings were in the Eastern Conference, they would be in the thick of the playoff race with huge meaning in every game. In the power-packed West, they have long been eliminated and must take solace in playing the role of spoiler. Ron Artest scored 30 points, Kevin Martin added 27 and the Kings dealt a blow to Houston's chances of winning the Southwest Division with a 99-98 victory...

Rockets sign C Woods for 10 more days (AP)
The Houston Rockets signed backup center Loren Woods to a second 10-day contract Tuesday before their game against Sacramento. Woods has played only two games since being signed to his first deal on March 21, scoring six points in limited action.

Spurs win seventh straight, beat Rockets (AP)

Tony Parker and Michael Finley scored 22 points apiece and the San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Houston Rockets 109-88 on Sunday for their seventh straight victory. The much-hyped matchup between the Southwest Division rivals turned out to be more of a dud. The Spurs had the lead for nearly the entire game and led by as many as 25 points.

Rockets beat Kings, Adelman wins 800th (AP)

Rafer Alston wears the same No. 12 that Rick Adelman wore when he played for the San Diego Rockets nearly 40 years ago. On Monday, Alston helped Adelman get a more significant number -- his 800th career coaching victory. Alston scored 28 points and Tracy McGrady added 17 as the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 108-100, making Adelman the 13th coach to reach the milestone.

Rockets get back on track, beat Warriors (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 26 points, Bobby Jackson hit an improbable 3-pointer and the Houston Rockets got back to their winning ways with a 109-106 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Houston had lost two straight following a 22-game winning streak that was the second longest in NBA history.

Suns' Stoudemire makes 20-of-20 FTs (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 38 points, including a franchise-record 20-of-20 on free throws, and the Phoenix Suns won their seventh in a row by beating the Houston Rockets 122-113 on Saturday night. Stoudemire, who also had 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, broke the club record for consecutive free throws in a game of 17, set by Paul Silas against Atlanta on Jan.

Allen helps Celts complete Texas sweep (AP)

Ray Allen returned from a three-game injury absence and a long time on the bench in the fourth quarter to nail a go-ahead 3-pointer with 31.7 seconds left, lifting the Boston Celtics past the Dallas Mavericks 94-90 Thursday night. The Celtics completed an impressive sweep in the Lone Star State, becoming the first team to go 3-0 in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas since the Sacramento Kings in...

Courtside Seat: Houston, we have a contender
The Rockets had an impressive streak of 22 wins in a row before losing to Boston. Part of the reason was the success of the supporting cast, which helped Fantasy owners. Our Jamey Eisenberg examines.

Courtside Seat: Houston, we have a contender
The Rockets had an impressive streak of 22 wins in a row before losing to Boston. Part of the reason was the success of the supporting cast, which helped Fantasy owners. Our Jamey Eisenberg examines.div class="feedflare" a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=mCaZwkQQ"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=41" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=UorY0ZhN"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=UorY0ZhN" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=E18bBeWB"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=E18bBeWB" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=QoLFtCd8"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=52" border="0"/img/a /divimg src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news/~4/XDl0yGThDTE" height="1" width="1"/

Wells sends Rockets to another defeat (AP)

Former Houston swingman Bonzi Wells helped New Orleans hand the Rockets their second straight loss after a 22-game winning streak, scoring 20 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter in the Hornets' 90-69 victory Wednesday night. David West, returning from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him for two games, had 23 points and 11 rebounds to help New Orleans (46-21) pull a half-game ahead of the...

Hornets' West well-rested, returns against Rockets
Hornets All-Star forward David West returned from a two-game injury absence on Wednesday night when New Orleans hosted the Houston Rockets.

Celtics snap Rockets' win streak at 22 (AP)

The shots stopped falling, Boston's stars took over and just like that, the Houston Rockets' 22-game winning streak was history. Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and Paul Pierce added 20 as the Celtics beat the Rockets 94-74 on Tuesday night, stopping Houston's remarkable victory run. The Rockets hadn't lost since a 97-89 defeat to Utah on Jan.

LIVE: Rockets-Celtics CP
The biggest threat to the Rockets' streak comes to town tonight. Follow it LIVE as Houston goes for No. 23 vs. the mighty Celtics.

Rivers: Ray Allen likely out for C's vs. Rockets
Doc Rivers said Ray Allen likely won't play against Houston on Tuesday.

Rockets put streak on line vs. Celtics (AP)
Tracy McGrady bent over exhausted at midcourt after the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to 22 games by beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. There's no time to rest, however. The Rockets host Boston, the NBA's best team, on Tuesday. "It's going to be a challenge, it's going to be a tough game for us," McGrady said.

Houston, L.A. play for top spot in West
A few months back, the Rockets weren't in the playoff picture. Today, a win against L.A. will give Houston the top spot in the West.

Houston beat Lakers for 22nd straight
The Rockets made it 22 in a row and took control of first in the Western Conference with a win over the Lakers on Sunday.

Rockets' win streak to 22, beat Lakers (AP)

The Houston Rockets did more than extend their winning streak on Sunday. They validated it. Rafer Alston scored 31 points and hit eight 3-pointers, both career highs, and the Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-92 to extend their winning streak to 22 and claim sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

Houston, L.A. playing for top spot in West
How hot is Houston? A win against the Lakers (LIVE) will give the Rockets the top spot in the West and a 22-game winning streak.

Gasol (sprained ankle) to miss at least 3 games
Even the Houston Rockets acknowledge they've had some good luck during their 21-game winning streak. They are getting more heading into their biggest regular-season game in years. Pau Gasol will sit out with a sprained left ankle when the Rockets play the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday for first place in the Western Conference. Gasol was injured in Friday's loss to New Orleans and left the arena on crutches.

Rockets extend win streak to 21 (AP)

The Houston Rockets' 21st consecutive victory gave them the second-longest winning streak in NBA history and a share of first place in the Western Conference. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points and the Rockets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 89-80 on Friday night to break a tie with the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks for the second-best victory streak in league history.

Kobe helps Lakers regain lead in West (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his 34 points in the final 8 1/2 minutes, Lamar Odom added 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 117-108 on Tuesday night to regain the top spot in the Western Conference. Now, they'll face a major challenge staying there, playing their next four games on the road against New Orleans, Houston, Dallas and Utah, who have a...

Rockets have 20-20 vision
Hear from Shane Battier after the Rockets' 20th straight victory. Houston is now tied with the 1970-71 Bucks for the second-longest winning streak in NBA history.

Rockets third team to win 20 straight (AP)

The Houston Rockets became the third team in NBA history to win 20 consecutive games, tying for the league's second-longest winning streak with an 83-75 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. The Rockets joined the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (33 straight) and 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks (20) as the only teams to win 20 or more in a row.

Rockets win 19th straight, rout Nets (AP)

Tracy McGrady pulled the towel over his shoulders, leaned back in his seat on the bench and smiled. The Houston Rockets' 19th consecutive victory was a laugher. McGrady scored 19 points in less than three quarters and the Rockets routed cold-shooting New Jersey 91-73 on Monday night to match the third-longest winning streak in NBA history.

Rockets win 18th straight
Tracy McGrady outplayed Chris Paul as Houston won its 18th straight, which is tied for the 4th longest streak in NBA history.

Rockets win 18th straight, top Hornets (AP)

Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets are making it look easy, even against the best teams in the Western Conference. McGrady scored 41 points Saturday night and the Rockets stretched their winning streak to 18 games with a 106-96 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. The Rockets have won their last nine games by double digits and moved into a tie with the Hornets in the overall conference...

Hornets' West sits 3rd game; Rockets' Landry out
New Orleans All-Star forward David West sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left ankle, missing the Hornets' contest against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Hornets' West, Rockets' Landy both out (AP)
New Orleans All-Star forward David West sat out for the third straight game with a sprained left ankle, missing the Hornets' contest against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The Rockets were short-handed, too, with rookie forward Carl Landry sidelined with a bruised right knee. West, the Hornets' second-leading scorer and rebounder, rolled his ankle in the second half of New Orleans' 100-88...

NBA Tipoff: New Orleans vs. Houston
The Rockets have won 17 in a row. Can the Hornets cool them off? Marques Johnson says Houston will be hard to stop.

Yao tells Chinese fans he's targeting Olympic return
Yao Ming's message to his Chinese fans was clear: He plans to play in the Beijing Olympics. In a letter published Friday in Chinese-language newspapers, the Houston Rockets star assured fans that his operation Monday to repair a stress fracture in his left foot was successful and he'll be fit to play in August despite missing the rest of the NBA season. "My injury has made many of you worried and you expressed your concern and sympathy in many ways," Yao wrote.

Rockets win 17th straight behind McGrady (AP)

Tracy McGrady had 31 points and nine assists and Rafer Alston added a season-high 24 points, helping the Houston Rockets push their franchise-best winning streak to 17 games with a 113-98 victory over the Dirk Nowitzki-less Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Houston's streak is tied for seventh-best in NBA history.

Rockets win team-record 16th straight (AP)

The Houston Rockets made history Wednesday night. Now they can go back to trying to make the playoffs. Tracy McGrady scored 25 points and the Houston Rockets won their franchise-record 16th game, beating Indiana 117-99. The Rockets are 4-0 since losing Yao Ming for the season with a stress fracture in his foot and have won 20 of their last 21 games, and own the longest winning streak in the NBA this...

Nowitzki suspended for hard foul on Kirilenko
Dirk Nowitzki was suspended without pay for one game by the NBA on Wednesday for his hard foul on Utah's Andrei Kirilenko. Nowitzki will miss the Dallas Mavericks' next game, at home Thursday night against the divisional rival Houston Rockets, who recently passed them in the tight Western Conference standings. Nowitzki received a flagrant-1 when he hit Kirilenko midway through the first quarter of a 116-110 loss to Utah on Monday.

Nowitzki suspended, will sit vs. Rockets (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki was suspended without pay for one game by the NBA on Wednesday for his hard foul on Utah's Andrei Kirilenko. Nowitzki will miss the Dallas Mavericks' next game, at home Thursday night against the divisional rival Houston Rockets, who recently passed them in the tight Western Conference standings.

Yao-less Rockets have win streak at 15 (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston looked around the Toyota Center when Yao Ming went out with a broken foot and saw nothing but long faces on fans and arena employees. "The atmosphere in the building that day, it felt like there was a funeral going on," he said. "Everybody just thought the season was over." Inside the locker room, the vibe was different.

Yao undergoes successful foot surgery
Yao Ming underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot on Monday. Houston Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton and Dr. Bill McGarvey performed the surgery on the All-Star center Monday morning. "Yao is comfortable and recovering well after surgery," Clanton said in a news release. "We will continue to monitor his recovery and begin an aggressive rehabilitation once he is physically deemed ready.

Yao to have surgery Monday
Yao Ming will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, Houston Rockets officials said Saturday.

Rockets win 15th straight, tie club mark (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 22 points, Shane Battier added 20 and the Houston Rockets tied a franchise record with their 15th straight win, a 103-89 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. The winning streak is the longest in the NBA this season and matches the longest one in franchise history, reached twice, with the last one coming in their championship season of 1993-94.

Yao opts for surgery to repair stress fracture in foot
Yao Ming will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, Houston Rockets officials said Saturday. The surgery will be performed Monday in Houston by Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton. The team announced the All-Star center's injury on Tuesday and said he would get a second opinion before deciding whether to have the surgery. Clanton said last week that the surgery would involve placing screws across the bone to hold it together with a recovery time of about four months.

Rockets cruise to 14th consecutive win (AP)

The Houston Rockets didn't lose in February. March is likely to be a lot more difficult. Tracy McGrady had 25 points and six assists, and the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-95 on Friday night to extend their winning streak to 14, the longest in the NBA this season. They are one shy of the longest winning streak in franchise history, reached twice, with the last time coming in their...

Assault charges dropped against Alston
Assault charges were dropped against Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston, who was accused of a slashing a man with a knife in a nightclub. Prosecutors were unable to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the assault and attempted assault charges were dropped Friday, the Manhattan district attorney's office said. Alston was arrested Aug. 27, 2007, after a confrontation with Wilbert Ashman of Long Island inside Club Stereo in Manhattan.

Charges dropped against Rockets G Alston (AP)
Assault charges were dropped against Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston, who was accused of a slashing a man with a knife in a nightclub. Prosecutors were unable to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the assault and attempted assault charges were dropped Friday, the Manhattan district attorney's office said.

Report: Yao done for the season
The Houston Rockets just can't catch a break.

Rockets to discuss Yao's injury Tuesday (AP)
The Houston Rockets have scheduled a news conference to discuss center Yao Ming's injured left foot. The Houston Chronicle and television station KRIV reported he has a stress fracture in his left foot and may be out for the season. The news conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Yao is averaging 22 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Rockets, who have won 12 straight games.

Minus Yao, Rockets win 13th straight (AP)

In their first game without Yao Ming, Luther Head had 18 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 94-69 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night for their 13th straight victory. Yao is out for the season with a stress fracture in his left foot. The Rockets didn't seem to miss their All-Star center, jumping to a 7-0 lead and never trailing as they coasted to their 17th win in the last 18...

Yao out for season with stress fracture
The Houston Rockets just can't catch a break.

McGrady helps Rockets win 12th in a row (AP)

Bobby Jackson was lauded for his ability to be a spark off the bench when he was traded to Houston last week. In his first game with the Rockets, the point guard delivered. Jackson scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half and helped Houston to its 12th straight win, a 110-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night.

Newly acquired G Jackson introduced in Houston
Bobby Jackson believes he was at his best in the five seasons he played for coach Rick Adelman.

Slumping Wizards down Bobcats 110-95 (AP)

It's been a difficult few weeks for the Washington Wizards. Despite their win Saturday night, it doesn't look as if things will get any easier any time soon. Antawn Jamison scored 22 points to lead the Wizards to just their second victory in their last 12 games, 110-95 over the Charlotte Bobcats. Washington then got ready for a three-game roadtrip to New Orleans, Houston and Chicago without Caron...

Yao powers Rockets to 11th straight win (AP)

The Houston Rockets' winning streak just got a whole lot more impressive. Yao Ming had 28 points and 14 rebounds, and the Rockets won their 11th straight game, 100-80 over the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. "We talked about making a statement," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman, whose team also set a franchise record with 10 consecutive road victories.

T-Mac leads surging Rockets
Tracy McGrady scored 34 points to lead Houston to their 11th straight win and 10th on the road. Hear from T-Mac after the Rockets' 100-80 win in New Orleans.

Wells on trade: 'It's a great situation'
Bonzi Wells doesn't eat seafood or pork, which pretty much rules out gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and soft-shell crab - the dishes for which New Orleans is known. He says he'll settle for a good steak and otherwise focus on basketball, which shouldn't be hard to do with the Hornets playing about as well as any team in the NBA. "It's a great situation," Wells said Friday, when he and guard Mike James arrived from Houston. "I think myself and Mike will fit in well here.

Hornets get Bonzi Wells from Rockets (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James from Houston. The Rockets are getting guards Bobby Jackson and Adam Haluska in return. Hornets coach Byron Scott said Memphis is also involved in the deal but didn't know to what extent. The deal gives the Western Conference-leading Hornets depth on their bench.

Rockets top Heat for 10th straight win (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 23 points, Yao Ming added 21 and the Houston Rockets won their 10th straight game, a 112-100 victory over Miami on Thursday night that sent the Heat to their 10th straight loss. Houston has won 14 of its last 15 games and the winning streak is its longest since the championship season of 1993-94 when the team opened with 15 straight.

T-Wolves deal Green to Rockets for Snyder
Gerald Green got his wish Thursday, as the Minnesota Timberwolves traded the 2007 slam dunk champion to the Houston Rockets for guard Kirk Snyder, a second-round draft pick in 2010, and cash considerations.

Rockets get Houston native Green from Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded swingman Gerald Green to the Houston Rockets on Thursday for shooting guard Kirk Snyder.

Wolves send Green to Rockets for Snyder (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded seldom-used swingman Gerald Green to the Houston Rockets on Thursday for shooting guard Kirk Snyder. Minnesota also gets a second-round pick in 2010 and cash. Green is a Houston native who was taken out of high school by Boston in 2005. He's averaging a little more than five points and two rebounds in scant playing time.

Hornets acquire Wells, James from Rockets
The New Orleans Hornets have acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James from Houston. The Rockets are getting guards Bobby Jackson and Adam Haluska in return. Hornets coach Byron Scott said Memphis is also involved in the deal but didn't know to what extent. The deal gives the Western Conference-leading Hornets depth on their bench.

Rockets extend road win streak to 9 (AP)

Shane Battier chuckled before revealing Houston's defensive game plan to stop LeBron James. "Well, we hoped he had a good time in New Orleans," Battier said. It was the Rockets, though, who gave James the headache. Rafer Alston scored 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston tied a team record Tuesday night with its ninth straight road win, 93-85 over the Cleveland Cavaliers,...

Olajuwon, Ewing, Riley among first-time Hall finalists
Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing, who battled for NCAA and NBA titles, and Miami Heat coach Pat Riley were selected as finalists Friday for the Basketball Hall of Fame. Holdover candidates Chris Mullin, Adrian Dantley, Dennis Johnson and Golden State coach Don Nelson also are among the 15 candidates for enshrinement. Olajuwon and Ewing both played in three Final Fours, with Ewing's Georgetown team beating Olajuwon's Houston squad for the 1984 national championship.

Rockets to honor Olajuwon with monument (AP)
The Houston Rockets plan to unveil a monument honoring former star Hakeem Olajuwon on April 11 outside the team's arena. Organizers said they worked hard to ensure that the monument complied with Olajuwon's Islamic beliefs. Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis told The Associated Press that details about the monument had not been released.

Rockets win eighth in a row on Novak's 3 (AP)

The Houston Rockets enter the All-Star break with an eight-game winning streak thanks to a clutch shot by Steve Novak. Novak hit a 3-pointer, his only field goal of the game, with two seconds left to lead the Rockets to an 89-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Ron Artest had rallied the Kings back from an 18-point fourth quarter deficit and his off-balance jump shot gave them...

Alston, Rockets pick up seventh straight (AP)

The Houston Rockets are riding their longest winning streak in three years -- and that's what it's taken to get them into playoff contention. Yao Ming had 25 points and seven rebounds as the Rockets beat the Trail Blazers 95-83 for their seventh straight win. Rafer Alston scored 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter, when the Rockets began to stretch their lead over the team right behind them in...

Yao, Rockets roll to sixth straight win (AP)
In the tightly packed Western Conference, the Houston Rockets know they can't afford to drop home games to teams with losing records. They left nothing to chance against Atlanta on Saturday night and continued their surge into playoff contention. Yao Ming had 28 points and nine rebounds, and the Rockets routed the Hawks 108-89 for their 10th win in 11 games.

Cavs missing 4 of top 7 scorers (AP)
LeBron James really had to carry the load for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were missing four of their top seven scorers for Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Guard Daniel Gibson, averaging 11.6 points, was on the inactive list after straining his right hamstring the previous night in a loss at Houston.

Yao lifts Rockets past Cavaliers 92-77 (AP)

Yao Ming had 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Houston Rockets overcame a poor night from ailing All-Star Tracy McGrady to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-77 on Thursday night. Rafer Alston had 17 points and nine assists and Shane Battier had 15 points for the Rockets, who've won nine of their last 10.

Rockets' Francis to have season-ending surgery
Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee. The 6-foot-3 Francis hasn't played since Dec. 15. He's appeared in only 10 games this season with three starts, averaging 5.5 points and three assists. The team said Francis will have surgery Feb. 25. Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, had said the injury was to the left knee.

Rockets' Francis to have season-ending surgery
Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee.

Rockets G Francis out for season (AP)
Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee. The 6-foot-3 Francis hasn't played since Dec. 15. He's appeared in only 10 games this season with three starts, averaging 5.5 points and three assists. The team said Francis will have surgery Feb.

Agent: Rockets' Francis to undergo knee surgery
Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis will undergo season-ending surgery on a torn left quadriceps muscle, his agent told a Houston television station Wednesday. The 6-foot-3 Francis has been out since Dec. 15 with the injury. He's appeared in only 10 games this season with three starts, averaging 5.5 points and three assists. Agent Jeff Fried told KRIV that Francis would have the procedure.

Agent: Francis to have season-ending surgery
Rockets guard Steve Francis will undergo season-ending surgery on a torn left quadriceps muscle, his agent told a Houston television station Wednesday.

Cavaliers F Gooden makes trip to Houston (AP)
Cavaliers starting forward Drew Gooden traveled with his teammates to Houston on Wednesday, one day after straining his right groin during the third quarter of a win over Boston. Gooden, who injured himself on a putback dunk in the Cavs' 114-113 win, underwent an MRI that confirmed the injury. Gooden was held out of a light workout before the team departed for Thursday night's game against the...

Rockets win eighth straight on road (AP)

Tracy McGrady had 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and the surging Houston Rockets held on for a 92-86 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Though McGrady had a season-high seven turnovers, he made the shots when they counted down the stretch, including the clinching 3-pointer with 30 seconds to go after Al Jefferson led the improving Wolves on an impressive rally.

Nets acquire F Swift from Grizzlies (AP)
The New Jersey Nets acquired Memphis Grizzlies forward Stromile Swift on Monday for center Jason Collins and cash. The 6-foot-10 Swift is expected to add athleticism to the frontcourt of the Nets, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Swift averaged 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in seven seasons with Memphis and one with the Houston Rockets.

Yao's Rockets get better of Yi's Bucks (AP)

The second edition of Yao vs. Yi didn't quite live up to its billing, as Yao Ming's Houston Rockets beat Yi Jianlian and the Milwaukee Bucks 91-83 on Saturday despite relatively quiet nights by both of China's biggest basketball exports. Yao scored 12 points and added 12 rebounds for Houston, sitting for much of the first half after getting in early foul trouble and tweaking his ankle just before...

Rockets earn sixth straight road win (AP)

Rookie Carl Landry scored 13 of his career-high 22 points in the fourth quarter, and the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 106-103 on Friday night for their sixth straight road victory. Tracy McGrady had 19 points, Yao Ming added 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Shane Battier scored 13 points for Houston (26-20).

Yao's 36 points, 8 boards lift Rockets (AP)

Yao Ming scored eight of his 36 points in the final 2 1/2 minutes and had 19 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets hold on to beat the Golden State Warriors 111-107 on Tuesday night. Rafer Alston had 17 points and a season-high 12 assists as the Rockets overcame the absence of Tracy McGrady to win for the fifth time in six games and snap a four-game losing streak to the Warriors.

Flu-like symptoms sideline McGrady (AP)
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady sat out Tuesday's game against Golden State with flu-like symptoms. McGrady, who is second on the team in scoring at 22 points, was inactive for the 15th time this season. He missed two games with an elbow injury and 12 with various injuries to his left knee. McGrady had played in five games since missing 11 straight with the knee injury.

Jazz exploit Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Deron Williams had 17 points and 12 assists, Kyle Korver added 17 points, including two late 3-pointers, and the Utah Jazz took advantage of Yao Ming's absence to beat the Houston Rockets 97-89 on Sunday night. Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference in next month's All-Star game, sat out with an upper respiratory infection, the first game he's missed this season.

Yao sits out Rockets' game against Utah
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection. The 7-foot-6 Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference for the All-Star game on Feb. 17, told team officials he felt sick when he arrived at the Toyota Center for a workout on Sunday morning, coach Rick Adelman said. "The doctors looked at him and they don't think it's worth the chance," Adelman said. "We'll just have to move on." Yao, leading the Rockets with 22.

Yao sits against Jazz with respiratory infection
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection.

Yao sits out Rockets' game against Jazz (AP)
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection. The 7-foot-6 Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference for the All-Star game on Feb. 17, told team officials he felt sick when he arrived at the Toyota Center for a workout on Sunday morning, coach Rick Adelman said.

Rockets end Blazers' home streak at 12 (AP)

Led by newest member Tracy McGrady, Houston's reserves carried the Rockets to victory. McGrady had 15 points, Carl Landry added 12 points and eight rebounds and the Rockets stopped the Portland Trail Blazers' home-winning streak with an 89-79 win Friday night. "It's a great tribute to our group ... I think we've found ourselves." McGrady said.

McGrady helps extend Sonics' skid to 12 (AP)

Kevin Durant wants to eventually model his game after Tracy McGrady. Durant got a view Wednesday night of just how good McGrady is, even with a gimpy leg. Nursing a left knee injury, McGrady put together a second half that showed even with one good leg he's still one of the best in the game. McGrady scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half and took over in the final 90 seconds, both scoring and...

Rockets hand Sonics 11th straight loss (AP)
Yao Ming had 30 points and 17 rebounds, Tracy McGrady added 17 points and five assists and the Houston Rockets beat Seattle 96-89 on Monday, the SuperSonics' team-record 11th consecutive loss. Bonzi Wells scored 16 points for the Rockets, who've won seven of their last nine games. Wally Szczerbiak and Jeff Green had 15 points apiece for Seattle, now riding the longest single-season losing streak in...

Rockets beat Spurs as McGrady returns (AP)

Tracy McGrady returned and the Houston Rockets held on to a fourth-quarter lead against the defending NBA champions on Saturday night. Maybe the Rockets' season isn't slipping away just yet. Yao Ming had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston beat San Antonio 83-81, the Spurs' fourth loss in six games.

76ers end 7-game skid, defeat Rockets (AP)

Andre Miller scored 26 points, Samuel Dalembert added 19 points and blocked a shot in the final seconds, and Philadelphia rallied from 16 points down to beat the Houston Rockets 111-107 on Tuesday night. Louis Williams scored 18 and Andre Iguodala had 17 for the Sixers, who snapped a seven-game losing streak and a five-game road skid.

Paul leads Hornets past Rockets 87-82 (AP)

Chris Paul had 19 points and 11 assists and made four free throws in the final 15 seconds to lift the New Orleans Hornets to an 87-82 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday. David West scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who snapped the Rockets' five-game winning streak. The Hornets have won seven consecutive road games and seven of their last nine meetings with Houston, a...

Rockets win fifth straight without T-Mac (AP)

Tracy McGrady took another night off, Yao Ming barely broke a sweat and the Houston Rockets still easily handled the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luis Scola had 22 points and nine rebounds and rookie Carl Landry had 15 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs, as the Rockets beat Minnesota 113-82 on Friday night to win for the seventh time in the nine games McGrady has missed with a left knee injury.

T-Mac on the mend, but will miss next 3 games
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady is expected to miss three more games as he recovers from a left knee injury.

Rockets' McGrady expected to miss 3 games
Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady is expected to miss three more games as he recovers from a left knee injury. McGrady, averaging 23 points and five assists per game, has sat out the last eight games with strained tendons, tendinitis and a bone bruise in the knee. The Rockets are 6-2 in the stretch without him heading into Friday night's game against Minnesota. Rockets trainer Keith Jones said McGrady's knee is healthy, but he needs to improve his conditioning before he can play again.

NBA won't take action against Isiah
Isiah Thomas avoided an NBA suspension, even though the league said Thursday there was contact between the New York Knicks coach and the official who threw him out of a game. The league ruled the contact wasn't initiated by Thomas, but accidentally created by official Eric Lewis while he was ejecting Thomas from Wednesday night's game against Houston. NBA spokesman Tim Frank called it "inadvertent contact from the official in signaling the technical foul.

Rockets win after Knicks coach ejected (AP)

Yao Ming scored 36 points, and the Houston Rockets got big final quarters from Rafer Alston and Luis Scola to beat the New York Knicks 101-92 Wednesday night for their season-high fourth straight victory. Alston added 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Rockets, who seized control immediately after Knicks coach Isiah Thomas was ejected in the opening minute of the final quarter when...

Rockets win again without McGrady, 92-84 (AP)

Still unsure when they'll get Tracy McGrady back, the Houston Rockets are doing just fine without him right now. Luther Head's season-high 24 points and Rafer Alston's double-double Tuesday night led Houston past the Washington Wizards 92-84, the Rockets' third consecutive victory. Alston finished with 15 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Yao Ming scored 21 points for Houston, which is 5-2...

McGrady could return to Rockets Friday
Tracy McGrady will be checked out by the Houston Rockets' medical staff Thursday to determine when he'll be able to return from his left knee injury. "We certainly are missing him," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said before Tuesday night's game at the Washington Wizards. "But it's important that he's healthy when he does start playing." McGrady, sidelined by strained tendons, tendinitis and a bone bruise in his left knee, last played Dec. 23. He's the Rockets' leading scorer at 22.

McGrady could return soon if medically cleared
Tracy McGrady will be checked out by the Houston Rockets' medical staff Thursday to determine when he'll be able to return from his left knee injury.

Rockets' McGrady could return Friday (AP)
Tracy McGrady will be checked out by the Houston Rockets' medical staff Thursday to determine when he'll be able to return from his left knee injury. "We certainly are missing him," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said before Tuesday night's game at the Washington Wizards. "But it's important that he's healthy when he does start playing." McGrady, sidelined by strained tendons, tendinitis and a bone...

Yao leads Rockets past struggling Knicks (AP)

Yao Ming scored 30 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists and the Houston Rockets won for the fourth time in six games without Tracy McGrady, beating the New York Knicks 103-91 on Saturday night. Rookie point guard Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 22 for the Rockets, who've won six straight meetings with the Knicks.

Alston's layup, close call lift Rockets (AP)

Rafer Alston scored 20 points, including the game-winning layup with 4 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets narrowly escaped Orlando with a 96-94 victory over the Magic on Friday night. Orlando appeared to tie the game at 96 with Adonal Foyle's tip-in at the buzzer, but officials said he didn't get the shot off in time.

Pistons win 11th straight, top Raptors (AP)

Richard Hamilton scored 22 points, Rasheed Wallace added 20 and the Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 101-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Chauncey Billups had 18 points for Detroit, which has not lost since an 80-77 defeat in Houston on Dec. 12 and owns the longest current run in the NBA.

Garnett leads Celtics over Rockets 97-93 (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 26 points in the last seven minutes on Wednesday night, adding nine rebounds to help the Boston Celtics beat the Houston Rockets 97-93 and earn their seventh consecutive victory. Paul Pierce scored 19 points and assisted on four key baskets down the stretch as the Celtics improved to 27-3 to match the best 30-game start in the shot-clock era.

McGrady says knee might need weeks to rehab
Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets were hopeful the team's leading scorer was "day to day." It looks, though, as if he needs considerable time out of the lineup to recover from a sore left knee.

Nelson ejected, but Warriors still win (AP)

Once Don Nelson got thrown out, Baron Davis took over. Davis scored 23 points and Al Harrington had 16 points and 11 rebounds as Golden State overcame 21 turnovers to rally past the Houston Rockets 112-95 on Monday night. Monta Ellis scored 20 and Stephen Jackson sank four 3-pointers and added 18 points for the Warriors, who outscored Houston 37-15 in the final quarter to win for the 19th time in...

Yao carries Rockets past Raptors 91-79 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 91-79 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. Rafer Alston added 18 points, and Bonzi Wells had 13 points and 11 rebounds as Houston won its second straight and third in four games.

Yao leads McGrady-less Rockets to win (AP)

Even without Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets were able to easily take care of the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. For the first time this season, the Rockets won without having one of their regular starters in the lineup as Yao scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked five shots, and Luis Scola scored a caree-high 22 points in a 103-83 victory over Memphis on Friday night.

Rockets, Jazz still defining themselves
The good and bad teams have mostly defined themselves by now, but Randy Hill is still trying to figure out Houston and Utah.

Report: T-Mac has no structural damage
The Houston Rockets finally have a little good news around the holidays.

Report: MRI on McGrady's knee shows no damage
An MRI on Tracy McGrady's knee reveals no damage, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Bulls fire coach Skiles after 9-16 start (AP)
Scott Skiles was fired Monday as coach of the Chicago Bulls, who have one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference. The underachieving Bulls (9-16) have lost three of their last four and were booed throughout by the home crowd during Saturday night's 116-98 loss to the Houston Rockets. "This was a difficult decision to make, but one that was necessary at this time," Bulls general manager John...

Rockets' McGrady, Yao injured in loss (AP)

Richard Hamilton scored 17 points and Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace added double-doubles, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the shorthanded Houston Rockets 94-82 Sunday night. The Rockets started the night near full strength, but their two stars both left with injuries. Tracy McGrady didn't come out for the second half after aggravating a sore knee, while Yao Ming missed most of the second...

McGrady, Yao leave injured vs. Detroit
The Houston Rockets lost Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to injuries during Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady left at halftime after aggravating his sore left knee, and Yao left after getting cut in the face. A team spokesman said McGrady would not return, but Yao's status was uncertain. McGrady left Houston's Dec. 19 loss to Orlando after injuring the knee, and missed a loss at Denver the next day.

McGrady returns, leads Rockets by Bulls (AP)

Tracy McGrady returned to the Houston lineup and had 20 points and eight assists to lead the Rockets to a 116-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Yao Ming had 18 points and eight rebounds but sprained his right thumb in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, and Yao retuned in the fourth quarter.

Bulls' Wallace, Rockets' McGrady return (AP)
Chicago Bulls center Ben Wallace and Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady were back in the starting lineup for their game Saturday night. Wallace missed two games with bone spurs on the top of his left foot and McGrady missed Thursday's double overtime loss at Denver with a sore left knee. Wallace is averaging 4.5 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Bulls.

Nuggets outlast Rockets 112-111 in 2 OT (AP)

Anthony Carter hit a floater in the lane with 0.8 seconds left in double overtime to give the Denver Nuggets a 112-111 win over the shorthanded Houston Rockets on Thursday. Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and Allen Iverson had 36 points and nine assists for Denver, which ended a two-game losing streak.

McGrady hurt in Rockets' loss to Magic (AP)

Orlando's star of the past got hurt and the Magic's star of the present carried them to a victory. Dwight Howard had 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks and the Magic took advantage of former Orlando star Tracy McGrady's absence in the second half to beat the Houston Rockets 97-92 on Wednesday night.

Rockets' McGrady leaves with knee injury (AP)
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady left Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic with a sore left knee. McGrady missed 10 of 11 shots and was limping noticeably in the first half. He didn't come out with his team for the second half. He bruised his left knee in Saturday's loss to Dallas and went 5-of-18 from the field in that game.

Mavs win sixth straight vs. Rockets (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks didn't need a big comeback to win at Houston this time. Josh Howard scored 23 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 20 as the Mavericks beat the Rockets 96-83 on Saturday night, continuing to dominate their in-state division rival. Jerry Stackhouse had 17 points for the Mavs, who've won six straight meetings with the Rockets and 10 of the last 11.

Rockets' Battier hurt after taking elbow
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier left Saturday night's game against Dallas after getting elbowed in the head by Dirk Nowitzki, a blow that opened a bloody gash. The two were going after a miss by Yao Ming late in the first quarter. Battier went straight to the bench after taking the hit and grabbed a towel as blood spilled on the floor. Trainer Keith Jones walked Battier to the locker room. Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said Battier was getting stitches.

Rockets win despite poor foul shooting (AP)

As long as the Houston Rockets avoided the free-throw line on Wednesday night, they did just fine against the Detroit Pistons. Tracy McGrady scored 29 points and Yao Ming added 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Rockets nearly entered the NBA record book for foul-shot futility before beating the Pistons 80-77.

Sixers win third straight, beat Rockets (AP)

Andre Iguodala and the suddenly successful Philadelphia 76ers gave one of the largest crowds of the season their money's worth for once. The Sixers' only worry this week has been learning how to play with a huge lead instead of trying to rally against one. Iguodala scored 16 points, Andre Miller had 17 points and 12 assists and the Sixers led by as many as 31 points in a 100-88 victory over the...

Bosh returns, leads Raptors over Rockets (AP)

Chris Bosh had 21 points and 10 rebounds in his return to the Toronto lineup and the Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 93-80 Sunday. Kris Humphries added 16 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, for Toronto. Carlos Delfino had 12 points, Anthony Parker added 11 and Jason Kapono 10. Former Raptor Tracy McGrady had 23 for Houston, while Yao Ming scored 15 and Bonzi Wells had 12.

Kidd at shootaround, expected to play vs. Rockets
Jason Kidd attended the New Jersey Nets shootaround Friday and is expected to play against the Houston Rockets.

Kidd expected to play against Houston
Jason Kidd attended the New Jersey Nets shootaround Friday and is expected to play against the Houston Rockets. Barring a change in his health, coach Lawrence Frank said Kidd would play. Kidd did not talk to the media. Kidd sat out Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks because of a migraine, which fueled speculation that the eight-time All-Star was staging a personal one-day strike to induce a trade or force a new contract. On Thursday, Kidd said the migraine prevented him from playing.

Kidd back, but Nets lose at home again (AP)

The Houston Rockets jumped out early, then talked afterward about how well they responded to New Jersey's run. What run? Yao Ming had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Tracy McGrady added 24 points, and the Rockets never trailed in a 96-89 victory over the Nets on Friday night. The game was never really in doubt after the first 10 minutes.

McGrady, Yao lead Rockets over Grizzlies (AP)

Tracy McGrady had his third career triple-double and Yao Ming had 24 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 105-92 on Wednesday night. McGrady, who was cold shooting from the field early, finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Reserve Bonzi Wells added a season-high 24 for Houston, which has won four of six since losing six straight.

Kings spoil Adelman's return to Arco (AP)

Ron Artest and Kevin Martin each scored 26 points, and the Sacramento Kings spoiled former coach Rick Adelman's return to Arco Arena by beating the Houston Rockets 107-99. The Kings took the lead for good with a strong third quarter and withstood a Tracy McGrady-led charge by Houston. McGrady scored 28 of his 40 points in the second half.

Warriors win fifth straight, rip Rockets (AP)

Al Harrington gives up 9 inches and 60 pounds to Yao Ming. Yet by using his quickness to front and harass the 7-foot-6 Yao, Harrington is somehow able to shut down Houston's All-Star center. Harrington outplayed Yao for a second straight meeting, shutting him down at one end and scoring 18 points on the other to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Rockets 113-94 on Thursday night for their...

Yao scores 31, Rockets beat Suns 100-94 (AP)

Yao Ming produced the points and rebounds. Steve Francis provided the spark. Yao had 31 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 100-94 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. Yao was impressive throughout -- shooting 12-for-19 from the floor on an assortment of shots, including turnarounds, jump hooks and stuffs.

McGrady's big 4th quarter lifts Rockets (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 19 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter and the Houston Rockets capitalized on another key injury to the Los Angeles Clippers in a 88-71 victory Monday night. Rafer Alston added 17 points for the Rockets, who have posted back-to-back wins following a six-game losing streak, and have beaten the Clippers four straight times at Staples Center.

Martin has history of knee woes
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday after straining his right knee in a game against Houston. Martin missed the second half of Saturday's game against the Rockets. Martin has had knee troubles before. Over the previous two seasons, he missed 106 games because of microfracture surgeries on both knees. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Martin averages 8.6 points and 4.9 rebounds this season.

Nuggets' Martin to undergo MRI on right knee
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday after straining his right knee in a game against Houston.

McGrady helps Rockets end 6-game slide (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 35 points and Yao Ming had 22 points and 13 rebounds as the Houston Rockets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 109-81 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Shane Battier grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds and Houston outrebounded Denver 57-38 to overcome their 17 percent shooting from 3-point range (3-for-18).

Nuggets' Martin leaves game with injured knee
Denver forward Kenyon Martin left the Nuggets' game Saturday night against Houston because of strained right knee.

Shaq, Wade lead Heat to first home win (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade both played their best games of the season, and the Miami Heat finally won at home, beating the Houston Rockets 98-91 on Friday night. O'Neal had season highs of 26 points and 14 rebounds, Wade scored a season-high 31 points, and the Heat handed the Rockets their sixth straight loss.

Harris, Nowitzki rally Mavs past Rockets (AP)

Devin Harris scored 22 points and converted a key three-point play in the closing minutes, and the Dallas Mavericks rallied from a double-digit deficit for the second straight game to beat the Houston Rockets 100-94 on Wednesday night. Dirk Nowitzki shook off a slow start to score 18 points and grab 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, who overcame a 24-point deficit to beat Toronto on Tuesday night.

Nash leads Suns over depleted Rockets (AP)

Trying to beat the buzzer at the end of the third quarter, Shawn Marion heaved a wild hook shot from the top of the key. The ball rattled around the rim and dropped in. It was that kind of a night for the Phoenix Suns. Marion had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Steve Nash had 19 points and 15 assists and the Suns beat the Houston Rockets 115-105 on Saturday night for their fifth straight win.

Duncan helps Spurs top Rockets 90-84 (AP)

Tim Duncan had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 90-84 on Friday night. Manu Ginobili added 19 points for the Spurs and Michael Finley had 17. Luis Scola, whose rights were traded from the Spurs to the Rockets over the summer, had a breakout game, scoring 20 points.

Duncan leads Spurs past Rockets
Tim Duncan had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 90-84 on Friday night. Manu Ginobili added 19 points for the Spurs and Michael Finley had 17. Luis Scola, whose rights were traded from the Spurs to the Rockets over the summer, had a breakout game, scoring 20 points. Shane Battier added 16. The Rockets, without an injured Tracy McGrady, managed to tie the game at 80 with 3:48 to play on Scola's jump shot.

McGrady leaves game with strained elbow
The Houston Rockets may have lost more than a game on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Tracy McGrady's injury to beat the Rockets 93-90 on Wednesday night. McGrady, the league's leading scorer coming into the game, strained his right elbow late in the first half when he reached in on Luke Walton. He was taken to a hospital for tests and his status beyond Wednesday's game wasn't immediately known.

Playing the Waiver Wire: All is Wells in Houston
Our Sergio Gonzalez takes a look at who benefits from the injury to Tracy McGrady in Houston and he also takes a look around the league for players to add, avoid, drop and monitor on the waiver wire.

Playing the Waiver Wire: All is Wells in Houston
Our Sergio Gonzalez takes a look at who benefits from the injury to Tracy McGrady in Houston and he also takes a look around the league for players to add, avoid, drop and monitor on the waiver wire.

McGrady hurt in Rockets' loss to Lakers (AP)

The Houston Rockets may have lost more than a game on Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of Tracy McGrady's injury to beat the Rockets 93-90 on Wednesday night. McGrady, the league's leading scorer coming into the game, strained his right elbow late in the first half when he reached in on Luke Walton.

McGrady scores 41, but Grizzlies win (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 26 points, including four free throws in the final minute, and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame 41 points from Tracy McGrady to beat the Houston Rockets 105-99 on Tuesday night. Darko Milicic added 20 points, while Mike Miller finished with 17 as Memphis snapped Houston's three-game winning streak.

Yao, McGrady rally Rockets past Bobcats (AP)

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and guard Tracy McGrady have been called one of the NBA's best scoring tandems. The Charlotte Bobcats won't dispute that. McGrady and Yao led the Rockets back from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to an 85-82 win on Sunday night. Yao scored a season-high 34 points, including a pair of free throws with 20.4 seconds left to put Houston in the lead, and...

Yao's Rockets beat Yi's Bucks 104-88 (AP)

When it comes to basketball in China, Yao Ming is still the king. But Yi Jianlian's time could be coming soon. Yao and Yi each had their share of highlights in the much-anticipated first matchup of the country's greatest player and its top rising star, and Yao's Houston Rockets beat Yi's Milwaukee Bucks 104-88 on Friday night.

Yao vs. Yi likely to dwarf even Super Bowl ratings
In China, Friday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets is expected to draw TV ratings that would put even a Super Bowl to shame.

Yao-Yi matchup could set ratings record (AP)
Patriots vs. Colts? That's nothing. In China, Friday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets is expected to draw TV ratings that would put even a Super Bowl to shame. It's Yao Ming vs. Yi Jianlian, the nation's greatest player facing his highly touted rookie countryman for the first time.

Rockets finally beat Spurs at home
Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets snap a four-game, home-court losing streak to San Antonio with a 89-81 win over the Spurs on Tuesday night. Bonzi Wells added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Houston, which controlled Tim Duncan and outrebounded the sluggish Spurs 55-28. Duncan scored 14 and grabbed 10 rebounds, but went only 5-for-15 from the field. Tracy McGrady struggled with his shooting, too, going 4-of-14 and scoring only 12.

Yao, Rockets hand Spurs first loss (AP)

Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets snap a four-game, home-court losing streak to San Antonio with a 89-81 win over the Spurs on Tuesday night. Bonzi Wells added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Houston, which controlled Tim Duncan and outrebounded the sluggish Spurs 55-28.

10 things: Adelman turning it up in Houston
Rick Adelman has the Rockets off to a strong start, but Mike Kahn says Houston needs to solve its PG quandary in his 10 Things.

Terry helps Mavs hold off Rockets
Jason Terry's bid to become Sixth Man of the Year is off to quite a start. Asked to provide instant offense from the bench this season, Terry did so Monday night, scoring 31 points and guiding a late 14-4 run that carried the Dallas Mavericks past the Houston Rockets 107-98. Tracy McGrady had 35 points and eight assists, and Yao Ming had 21 points and 11 rebounds, yet the Rockets lost for the first time this season. Houston had been 3-0 under new coach Rick Adelman.

Terry scores 31 as Mavs top Rockets (AP)

Jason Terry's bid to become Sixth Man of the Year is off to quite a start. Asked to provide instant offense from the bench this season, Terry did so Monday night, scoring 31 points and guiding a late 14-4 run that carried the Dallas Mavericks past the Houston Rockets 107-98. Tracy McGrady had 35 points and eight assists, and Yao Ming had 21 points and 11 rebounds, yet the Rockets lost for the first...

Yao's double-double lifts Rockets to 3-0 (AP)

Yao Ming had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Tracy McGrady added 20 points and six assists as the Houston Rockets improved to 3-0 for the first time since the 1996-97 season with an 89-80 win over Portland on Saturday night. Yao scored only eight points and McGrady only five the second half, but the Rockets stayed in control with their defense, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Blazers to 41...

McGrady's 47 lift Rockets by Jazz 106-95 (AP)

Tracy McGrady said he didn't hold a grudge against Utah for last season's opening-round loss in the playoffs. But what he said and how he played were quite different. McGrady scored 47 points and the Rockets beat the Jazz 106-95 Thursday night, earning a little revenge for last season's playoffs, when Houston won the first two games but lost the series.

McGrady, Hayes both solid vs. Jazz
Tracy McGrady scored 47 points and the Houston Rockets got a little revenge for last season's opening-round playoff loss by beating the Utah Jazz 106-95 Thursday night. Mike James added 15 points - two more than the Jazz reserves combined - and Chuck Hayes had 24 rebounds for the Rockets, who improved to 2-0 under new coach Rick Adelman and have yet to play a home game this season.

Buss suspended for drunk driving charge
Lakers owner Jerry Buss has been suspended for two games and fined $25,000 by NBA commissioner David Stern in conjunction with Buss' conviction on a misdemeanor drunk driving charge. Buss was not at Staples Center when the Lakers opened their season with a 95-93 loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. He will finish the suspension by missing Los Angeles' game in Phoenix on Friday night. Buss, 74, was arrested in May in Carlsbad and pleaded no contest to the drunk driving charge on Sept. 4.

Lakers owner Buss suspended 2 games (AP)
Lakers owner Jerry Buss has been suspended for two games and fined $25,000 by NBA commissioner David Stern in conjunction with Buss' conviction on a misdemeanor drunk driving charge. Buss was not at Staples Center when the Lakers opened their season with a 95-93 loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Odom sustained slight concussion
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom sustained a slight concussion in an automobile accident, team spokesman John Black said Wednesday. The two-car crash happened Tuesday morning when Odom was driving to the Lakers' morning shootaround before their season-opening game against the Houston Rockets. Odom, sitting out the first few games of the season while recuperating from shoulder surgery, attended Tuesday night's game, a 95-93 loss to Houston.

Rockets pick up option for Head
The Houston Rockets on Wednesday extended guard Luther Head's contract through the 2008-09 season. The 6-foot-3 Head has averaged 9.8 points and 2.6 assists since the Rockets drafted him 24th overall in the 2005 draft. Last season, Head shot 44 percent from 3-point range (177-for-401), the third-best single-season percentage in team history. His 177 3-pointers were the second-highest season total in franchise history. Head sank a 3-pointer in 37 consecutive games last season, a team record.

Rockets extend G Head's contract (AP)
The Houston Rockets on Wednesday extended guard Luther Head's contract through the 2008-09 season. The 6-foot-3 Head has averaged 9.8 points and 2.6 assists since the Rockets drafted him 24th overall in the 2005 draft. Last season, Head shot 44 percent from 3-point range (177-for-401), the third-best single-season percentage in team history.

Battier trey seals road win for Rockets
Shane Battier made a 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a rally that came up just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as their coach a success.

Kobe scores 45, but Rockets edge Lakers (AP)

Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a comeback that fell just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as...

Rockets cut Sura, Lucas, Butler and Reed (AP)
Guards Bob Sura and John Lucas III were among four players cut by the Houston Rockets on Monday, the eve of their season opener. Forwards Jackie Butler and Justin Reed were also released as the team reduced its roster to 15 players. The Rockets begin the season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Backup guard Lucas to be released by Rockets
John Lucas III, the son of former Houston Rockets star John Lucas, will be released by the team Monday.

Bryant sits out Lakers practice, should play
Kobe Bryant didn't practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday because of the sprained right wrist that kept him out of Friday night's final exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings in Las Vegas. Bryant didn't travel to Las Vegas with the team and his status was day-to-day, Lakers spokesman John Black said Coach Phil Jackson said he expected Bryant to play Tuesday night in the season opener against the Houston Rockets.

Rockets waive Mike Harris
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has waived F Mike Harris.  Harris, who signed with the Rockets as a rookie free agent on 7/13/07, averaged 5.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while playing in the team’s first two preseason games.

Rockets spoil Durant's debut in Seattle (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, and the Houston Rockets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 117-94 Saturday night to spoil Kevin Durant's home debut. McGrady, entering his 11th NBA season, was 10-of-20 from the floor and made all nine free throws. McGrady, who did not play the final 17 minutes, had seen limited time during the preseason because of a sore knee.

Houston ends comeback bid with Knicks
Allan Houston ended his comeback attempt with the New York Knicks on Saturday, saving Isiah Thomas from possibly having to cut one of the top scorers in franchise history.

Allan Houston ends comeback attempt
Allan Houston ended his comeback attempt with the New York Knicks on Saturday, saving Isiah Thomas from possibly having to cut one of the top scorers in franchise history. Houston rejoined his former team late last week, two years after he was forced to retire because of chronic knee pain. However, the Knicks already had the maximum 15 players under contract, and Thomas said he only gave the 36-year-old guard an invite to camp because of his history in New York.

Allan Houston, who was going to be cut, ends Knicks comeback attempt
New York Knickerbockers guard Allan Houston has decided to end his comeback with the team. “After much consideration, I have decided to end my comeback with the Knicks,” Houston said. “While my body and my knees, in particular, feel fine, I know what is required for me to be truly effective in the NBA again, and [...]

Magic defeat Yao-less China all-stars
Carlos Arroyo scored 25 points to help the Orlando Magic rout the China all-stars 116-92 in an exhibition game Thursday at the Chinese casino city of Macau, known as Asia's Las Vegas. The game might have been closer if China's roster included the country's two biggest stars: Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and the newest Chinese NBA player: Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot power forward with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Magic rout China All-Stars in Macau (AP)
Carlos Arroyo scored 25 points to lead the Orlando Magic past the China all-Stars 116-92 in an exhibition game Thursday at the casino city of Macau. The game might have been closer if China's roster included the country's two biggest stars: Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot power forward with the Milwaukee Bucks.

U.S. marshalls arrest ex-NBA journeyman Clark
A former NBA player wanted on drug and weapons charges in Illinois was arrested Thursday when U.S. marshals stopped him aboard a commercial bus heading out of Houston, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Clark arrested by U.S. marshals
A former NBA player wanted on drug and weapons charges in Illinois was arrested Thursday when U.S. marshals stopped him aboard a commercial bus heading out of Houston. Keon Clark, who last played for the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, was scheduled for trial in August 2006 in Vermilion County in Illinois for possession of marijuana, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of firearm possession.

Nuggets sign veteran G Mike Wilks (AP)
The Denver Nuggets signed veteran guard Mike Wilks on Thursday. The 5-foot-10 Wilks has played five NBA seasons with Atlanta, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Seattle. He averaged 3.6 points and 1.7 assists in 47 games with Seattle last season. In 214 career games, he has averaged 2.5 points and 1.2 assists.

Nuggets sign Mike Wilks
The Denver Nuggets have signed G Mike Wilks, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. Wilks, 5-10, 180, has played five NBA seasons with Atlanta, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Seattle. Most recently, he averaged 3.6 ppg and 1.7 apg in 47 [...]

Yao too much for Greece's Panathinaikos
Yao Ming scored 21 points and had eight rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat Euroleague champion Panathinaikos of Greece 107-70 in an exhibition game Thursday night. The Rockets played without star forward Tracy McGrady, who had a sore left knee. Club officials said he bumped it slightly in practice Wednesday and they decided at game time to hold him out. He's day to day. Rookie Luis Scola scored 17 points while Rafer Alston added 14.

Houston practices for first time in comeback try
Allan Houston took part in his first practice for the team he spent nine seasons with -- on the same floor where he announced his retirement two years ago.

Houston practices with Knicks for 1st time
Protecting a lead in the final minute of a scrimmage Friday, a group of role players kicked the ball out to the newcomer for an open 3-pointer. Allan Houston buried the shot, just as he had so many times for the New York Knicks. "He could still shoot the ball," Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said. "He's probably one of the top 10 best shooters to ever play in our sport. So he'll be able to shoot the ball when he's 60 years old.

Do Houston, Hardaway have anything left?
OK, so Allan Houston's not a kid anymore. But neither is Penny Hardaway. Charley Rosen considers what they still have to offer.

Rockets rout Euro champ Panathinaikos (AP)
Yao Ming scored 21 points and had eight rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat Euroleague champion Panathinaikos of Greece 107-70 in an exhibition game Thursday night. The Rockets played without star forward Tracy McGrady, who had a sore left knee. Club officials said he bumped it slightly in practice Wednesday and they decided at game time to hold him out.

Source: Houston to attempt comeback with Knicks
Allan Houston is expected to announce his comeback with the Knicks in the next 24 hours, a source told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand.

Knicks sign Allan Houston
New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Isiah Thomas announced today that guard Allan Houston has been re-signed as a free agent after a two-season absence from the court. “After much thought and prayer, I have decided to return to the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks. I have worked [...]

Knicks re-sign Allan Houston (AP)

Allan Houston is rejoining the New York Knicks, two years after knee pain forced him to walk away. The Knicks re-signed their former star guard Wednesday and expect him to begin his attempt to make the team at practice Friday. Once one of the NBA's best outside shooters, Houston retired two years ago this month after chronic knee pain limited him to 70 games over the previous two seasons.

Isiah Thomas expects warm MSG reception (AP)
Isiah Thomas expects a friendly crowd Thursday night, and will have a familiar face in practice the following day. One day after signing Allan Houston, the Knicks will make their home exhibition debut on Thursday against Maccabi Tel Aviv, their first game in New York since a jury found Thomas and Madison Square Garden sexually harassed former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders.

Report: Houston making Knicks comeback
Add another interesting wrinkle to the New York Knicks' off-season. Just a week after Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden were found liable in an all-too-public sexual harassment lawsuit, the Knicks coach made news for an on-court reason: Allan Houston is coming back. Houston, a two-time NBA All-Star who was forced to retire due to chronic knee pain before the 2005-06 season, will likely rejoin the Knicks by Friday, Thomas said, according to a report on the New York Daily News Web site.

Hornets rally from 21 down, edge Rockets (AP)

It was only fitting that the New Orleans Hornets' return to their temporary home will be remembered as a comeback. Chris Paul scored 14 points and Hilton Armstrong had 10 of his 12 in the second half as the Hornets rallied from a 21-point first-quarter deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 94-92 Tuesday night in the preseason opener for both teams.

Hornets add 3 free agents to camp roster (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agents Ryan Bowen, Trey Johnson and Anthony Richardson, bringing their training camp roster to 16. Bowen, a 6-foot-9 forward, is a seven-year NBA veteran who has spent time with the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. He has appeared in 432 career games with 78 starts in the NBA, averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.0 minutes.

Rockets hire Kenny Atkinson as director of player development, and Pat Zipfel as advance scout
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today the hiring of Kenny Atkinson as the team’s Director of Player Development, as well as the addition of Pat Zipfel as an advance scout. Atkinson will focus on improving player performance through on-court one-on-one skill development and the use of video analysis. From 2004-06 before joining the Rockets, Atkinson [...]

Rockets sign Carl Landry
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today the signing of Purdue forward Carl Landry, who was chosen by the SuperSonics in the second round (31st overall) with a pick previously acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies. Houston sent a future second-round selection and cash considerations to Seattle for his draft rights. Landry (6-9, 248, Purdue) averaged [...]

Rockets re-sign Dikembe Mutombo
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has re-signed free agent center Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo (7-2, 260, Georgetown) has averaged 10.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.81 blocks in 1,148 career games (970 starts) with Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Houston. Last season with the Rockets, Mutombo averaged 3.1 points, [...]

Mutombo, 41, returns to Rockets for 16th season
The Houston Rockets signed Dikembe Mutombo to a one-year contract on Monday, extending the 41-year-old center's NBA career into a 16th season.

Mutombo to play last season with Rockets (AP)
The Houston Rockets signed Dikembe Mutombo to a one-year contract on Monday, extending the 41-year-old center's NBA career into a 16th season. "I'm going enjoy every second and every minute of my last year in the NBA," he said. "I hope my farewell tour will be a nice memorable one." The 7-foot-2, 260-pound Mutombo ended up playing a pivotal role for Houston last season, when Yao Ming broke a bone...

Allan Houston, G - NY
Knicks offer Houston guaranteed money Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Ex-Rockets, Spurs star Elie named Mavs assistant
Mario Elie, who played on championship teams for the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, was hired as an assistant coach by the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.

Wolves' Howard would prefer to play for contender
Juwan Howard couldn't have been happier when the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired him in a trade with Houston earlier this summer.

Elie joins Mavericks coaching staff (AP)
Mario Elie, who played on championship teams for the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, was hired as an assistant coach by the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Elie was an assistant coach with Golden State for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. He also was an assistant with the Spurs for the 2003-04 season.

Rockets promote Sam Hinkie to VP of Basketball Operations
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today the promotion of Sam Hinkie to Vice President of Basketball Operations. Hinkie, who will be entering his third full season with the Rockets, advises Morey on the draft, free agency, trades, and game strategy. Hinkie also leads the Rockets analytic efforts and manages the team’s salary cap. [...]