Houston Rockets

Conference: Western

Division: Southwest

In the News

Wolves wallop Rockets behind Love's 25 points

Kevin Love scored 25 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves over Kevin McHale's Houston Rockets 100-91 on Saturday night, pushing Minnesota's record to 12-12.

Love, Ridnour lead Wolves over Rockets (AP)

Kevin Love scored 25 points and grabbed 18 rebounds and Luke Ridnour added 22 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Houston Rockets 100-91 on Saturday night. Minnesota won for the fifth time in seven games to reach .500 (12-12). Kyle Lowry had 24 points and 11 assists for Houston and Luis Scola also had 24 points, but Kevin Martin scored a season-low two points on 1-for-10 shooting.

Reserves lead Rockets past Suns 99-81 (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 16 points, Kyle Lowry had eight rebounds and nine assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 99-81 on Friday night. Chase Budinger added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who got another strong effort from their reserves to beat the Suns for only the second time in the last nine meetings.

Rockets jump on Suns early, get easy win
Kevin Martin scored 16 points, Kyle Lowry had eight rebounds and nine assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 99-81 on Friday night.

Rockets looking forward to road test (AP)
Just last week, the Houston Rockets were quietly creeping toward the top of the Southwest Division, winners in nine of their previous 10 games. The reality check may have arrived. After their worst defensive performance of the season, Houston blew a 19-point lead in San Antonio on Wednesday night to slip back down in the standings.

Lowry accepts plea in Las Vegas battery case

A lawyer has entered a no contest plea for Kyle Lowry in a bid for dismissal of a misdemeanor battery case alleging the Houston Rockets guard threw a basketball at a female referee and threatened her during a game at a Las Vegas gym last September.

Lowry takes plea in Vegas battery case
A lawyer entered a no contest plea for Kyle Lowry in a bid for dismissal of a misdemeanor battery case alleging the Houston Rockets guard threw a basketball at a female referee and threatened her during a game at a Las Vegas gym last September.

Down 18 in 3rd, Spurs rally by Rockets (AP)

Tim Duncan scored 25 points and Tony Parker added 24 to help the San Antonio Spurs rally for a 99-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Spurs (14-9), who trailed by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, have won two straight and improved to 11-1 at home. Gary Neal had 15 for San Antonio, which split the four-game season series with the Rockets (12-10), who have lost two...

Wolves' Adelman wins in return to Houston

Michael Beasley scored 34 points, Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 11 assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets 120-108 on Monday night in Rick Adelman's return to Houston.

Wolves win Adelman's return to Houston (AP)

Rick Adelman has mostly good memories from his years in Houston, and his new team delivered one more on Monday night. Michael Beasley scored 34 points, Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 11 assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets 120-108 in Adelman's return to Houston. Kevin Love had 29 points for the Timberwolves, who blew open a close game with a franchise-record 42 points in the...

Rockets' Lee uninjured in Houston car accident

Rockets guard Courtney Lee said he was uninjured after his car was struck by another vehicle after Saturday night's game against the New York Knicks.

Rockets' Lee uninjured in car accident
Houston Rockets guard Courtney Lee says he wasn't injured when his car was struck by another vehicle after Saturday night's game against the New York Knicks.

Surging Rockets torpedo Knicks
The Houston Rockets thought their depth would be one of their strengths before the season began.

Rockets drub Knicks for 9th win in 10 games

Chase Budinger scored 19 points, Samuel Dalembert grabbed 14 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the New York Knicks 97-84 on Saturday night for their ninth win in 10 games.

Surging Rockets roll past Knicks 97-84 (AP)

Chase Budinger scored 19 points, Samuel Dalembert grabbed 14 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the New York Knicks 97-84 on Saturday night for their ninth win in 10 games. Jordan Hill had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Courtney Lee scored 14 points in place of the injured Kevin Martin, and the Rockets shot 49 percent (38 of 77) to improve to 9-2 at home this season.

Budinger lifts Martin-less Rockets past Wizards

Chase Budinger scored a season-high 21 points and Luis Scola added 19 points to help the Houston Rockets blow out Washington 103-76 on Friday night.

Rockets leading scorer Martin out vs. Wizards

Rockets leading scorer Kevin Martin is inactive for Friday night's game against Washington with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

Bucks' Bogut out indefinitely with ankle injury

Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut is out indefinitely after fracturing his left ankle Wednesday night in Houston.

Bucks snap 11-game skid in Houston (AP)

Stephen Jackson and Brandon Jennings each scored 20 points, Ersan Ilyasova had a career-high 19 rebounds after Andrew Bogut sprained his left ankle, and the Milwaukee Bucks snapped an 11-game losing streak in Houston with a 105-99 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night. Bogut left in the first quarter and did not return, but Milwaukee hit a season-high 14 shots from 3-point range to win in...

Bucks lose Bogut, win 1st in Houston since '99

Stephen Jackson and Brandon Jennings each scored 20 points, Ersan Ilyasova had a career-high 19 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks snapped an 11-game losing streak in Houston with a 105-99 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night.

Bucks C Bogut exits game with sprained ankle

Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut left in the first quarter of Wednesday night's game in Houston because of a sprained left ankle.

Rockets bury Wolves despite Love's 39 and 12

Kevin Martin scored 31 points to lead the Houston Rockets to their seventh straight victory, 107-92 over Minnesota on Monday night in coach Kevin McHale's first game back at Target Center since he was fired by the Timberwolves in 2009.

Surging Rockets win in McHale's return (AP)

Wolves F Johnson out due to illness (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Wes Johnson missed Monday night's game against Houston because of an illness, giving rookie Derrick Williams his first career start. Johnson's absence left the injury-plagued Wolves without a healthy small forward on their roster. Michael Beasley is out with a sprained right foot and Martell Webster has yet to play this season because of a back injury.

McHale shrugs off return to Minnesota (AP)
Kevin McHale is back in his home state of Minnesota. He's not wistful about the winter weather. Whether McHale is sentimental about returning to the arena where he helped shape the Timberwolves for 15 years, well, he wouldn't let on. Before Houston's game against Minnesota on Monday, McHale said simply he's been to Target Center "for a lot of good times and bad times."...

Rockets top Spurs for sixth straight win (AP)

The Houston Rockets solved their fourth-quarter problems from the previous game and put away the San Antonio Spurs. Kevin Martin scored 25 points, Kyle Lowry had 14 points and eight assists and the streaking Rockets took advantage of Tim Duncan's absence in a 105-102 victory Saturday night. Goran Dragic scored 14 and Samuel Dalembert added 12 points and a season-high six blocks for the Rockets,...

Rockets stay hot, take down Duncan-less Spurs

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, Kyle Lowry had 14 points and eight assists and the Houston Rockets took advantage of Tim Duncan's absence to beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-102 on Saturday night.

Rockets score 7 in 4th but win in OT (AP)

The Houston Rockets seemed to be rolling in the first half against New Orleans, shooting well and building a double-digit lead. Luis Scola knew better. "We weren't executing the right way," the Rockets forward said. "They came back, and that's what happens when you don't play good." Houston survived one of the worst fourth quarters in team history to hold off the...

Rockets survive awful 4th to top Hornets in OT

Kevin Martin scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half, Samuel Dalembert grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds and the Houston Rockets survived one of the worst fourth quarters in team history to beat the New Orleans Hornets 90-88 in overtime.

Thunder backup G Maynor has knee surgery (AP)
Oklahoma City Thunder backup point guard Eric Maynor has had successful surgery to repair a right knee injury that will keep him out for the season. Maynor was hurt during the fourth quarter of Oklahoma City's win at Houston on Jan. 7. The team announced that he had surgery Wednesday morning and should be ready for training camp before next season.

Dalembert powers Rockets to 4th straight win

Samuel Dalembert finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes to lead Houston to a 97-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, giving the Rockets their fourth straight win.

Rockets win fourth straight, top Pistons (AP)

Samuel Dalembert had 14 points and 12 rebounds, Luis Scola also scored 14 and the Houston Rockets beat the Detroit Pistons 97-80 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight victory. Kyle Lowry had 13 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Rockets, who outrebounded the Pistons 42-35 to offset 21 turnovers.

Pistons' plane lands following hydraulic problem

A charter flight bringing the Detroit Pistons to Houston for a game against the Rockets had to make an emergency landing at Hobby Airport on Monday afternoon.

Pistons' plane OK after hydraulic issue (AP)
The Detroit Pistons' plane landed safely after having a hydraulic problem. Team spokesman Kevin Grigg says everyone on the plane is OK. The Pistons landed at Houston's Hobby Airport on Monday ahead of their game Tuesday night against the Rockets.

Rockets get by Wizards despite Wall's 38 (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, Samuel Dalembert added 20 and the Houston Rockets broke away in the third quarter Monday to beat John Wall and the Washington Wizards 114-106. Wall scored a career-high 38 points on 13 of 22 shooting. He began the game making under 35 percent this season. Luis Scola had 18 and Kyle Lowry had 16 for the Rockets in their highest-scoring game of the season.

Retired Yao goes into politics in his native China

Retired NBA star Yao Ming has added another line to his post-basketball resume -- politician -- becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature.

Ex-Rockets C Yao enters Chinese politics (AP)
Retired NBA star Yao Ming has added another line to his post-basketball resume -- politician -- becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature. Since the 31-year-old Yao announced last July that injuries had ended his career with the Houston Rockets, he has become a university student and set up a wine business to go with owning a professional basketball team in China.

Rockets get past Blazers 107-105 in OT (AP)

All throughout their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kyle Lowry came through for the Houston Rockets. Lowry hit 33 points, including a crucial late 3-pointer, and Kevin Martin, who tied for the NBA lead in free throws made last season, hit four clutch free throws in overtime to lift the Rockets to a 107-105 victory over the Trail Blazers on Saturday night.

Lowry's season-high 33 helps Rockets win in OT

Kyle Lowry scored a season-high 33 points, Kevin Martin hit four free throws in the final seconds of overtime and the Houston Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-105 on Saturday night.

Rockets use balanced effort to top Kings (AP)

Samuel Dalembert had the best game in his short career as a Houston Rocket on Friday night. The fact that he did it against former team probably wasn't a coincidence. Dalembert had 21 points and 16 rebounds to help the balanced Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 103-89. "He was possessed or something, I don't know," Houston's Kyle Lowry said.

Spurs put away Rockets on Parker's late OT FTs

Tony Parker hit four free throws late in overtime to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 101-95 on Wednesday night.

Spurs top Rockets in OT, now 7-0 at home (AP)

Tony Parker hit four free throws late in overtime to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 101-95 on Wednesday night. Parker scored 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting to lead the Spurs. Tim Duncan had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Kawhi Leonard added 11 points. Kyle Lowry scored 22 points for Houston, and Luis Scola had 20.

Rockets beat Bobcats to snap 4-game skid (AP)

Rookie Chandler Parsons scored 20 points and Kevin Martin added 17 points and the Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 82-70 Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak. Jordan Hill had a double-double for the Rockets off the bench with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Rockets (3-6) broke open a tight game in the third quarter and the poor-shooting Bobcats could never put together a big...

Parsons, Rockets top Bobcats, snap losing skid

Chandler Parsons scored 20 points and Kevin Martin added 17 points and the Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 82-70 Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Bobcats' Thomas (fatigued legs) out vs. Rockets

Bobcats coach Paul Silas says starting forward Tyrus Thomas will miss Tuesday night's game against the Rockets with fatigued legs.

Teams 6-0 on third night of 3 straight (AP)
NBA teams are having an easy time with the hardest part of the compressed schedule. Teams are 6-0 playing on the third night of three straight games and say it isn't as tough as it appears on the schedule. Houston forward Chase Budinger had his highest-scoring game of the season in the finale of a back-to-back-to-back, saying "to be honest, it wasn't too bad." NBA teams hadn't...

Report: Baby girl for Beyonce and Jay-Z
Beyonce Knowles, wife of hip-hop icon and New Jersey Nets part-owner Jay-Z, gave birth Saturday to a baby girl, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Torn ACL ends Thunder PG Maynor's season (AP)
Oklahoma City Thunder backup point guard Eric Maynor will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. General manager Sam Presti said tests Sunday morning revealed that Maynor had torn the ligament in the fourth quarter of Oklahoma City's 98-95 victory at Houston on Saturday night.

Durant rescues Thunder in final seconds in win

Kevin Durant hit a jumper with 22 seconds left and nailed two free throws to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a 98-95 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Thunder sweep home-and-home with Rockets (AP)

Kevin Durant hit a jumper with 22 seconds left and nailed two free throws to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a 98-95 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Durant finished with 27 points and six rebounds, Russell Westbrook added 25 points and six assists, and reserve Nazr Mohammed had a season-high 17 points and six rebounds for the Thunder.

Rockets' Lowry charged with battery in Vegas

Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry is facing a misdemeanor battery charge amid accusations that he threw a basketball at a referee and threatened her during a game at a Las Vegas training gym.

Rockets' Lowry charged for tirade at ref (AP)
Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry is facing a misdemeanor battery charge amid accusations that he threw a basketball at a referee and threatened her during a game in Las Vegas. The criminal complaint says the 25-year-old NBA player was taunting Infini Robinson while she was officiating a game between NBA players Sept.

Durant, Harden help Thunder run past Rockets

Kevin Durant scored 26 points, top reserve James Harden added 23 and the Oklahoma City Thunder eased into their only stretch of three games on consecutive nights by beating the Houston Rockets 109-94 on Friday.

Thunder top Rockets to open busy stretch (AP)

Clips rout Rockets behind Paul's double-double

Blake Griffin had 22 points and nine assists before sitting out most of the fourth quarter, Chris Paul added 20 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to a 117-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Griffin, Paul lead Clippers over Rockets (AP)

Blake Griffin had 22 points and nine rebounds before sitting out most of the fourth quarter, Chris Paul added 20 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to a 117-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Paul shot 9 for 14 and had three steals, extending his streak to 14 consecutive games with at least one.

Bryant, Bynum lead Lakers over Rockets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Andrew Bynum had 21 points and 22 rebounds in the first 20-20 game of his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 108-99 Tuesday night for their fourth victory in five games. Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the Lakers against the franchise that tried to acquire him in a three-team trade in the offseason, and the Lakers survived a tight fourth...

Bryant's 37 lead Lakers past Rockets
Kobe Bryant scored 37 points, Andrew Bynum had 21 points and 22 rebounds in the first 20-20 game of his career, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 108-99 Tuesday night for their fourth victory in five games.

Clippers' Billups says he will return Wednesday

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups practiced with the team for the second day in a row and said he would be in the starting lineup Wednesday night when the Clippers play the Houston Rockets.

Billups practices, expected to play vs. Rockets

Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, who has been out with a strained right groin since last week, practiced with the team Monday.

Rockets ride Lowry's 18 assists to win (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry matched a career high with 18 assists and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish in a 95-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Luis Scola added 21 points, Jordan Hill grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds and Chase Budinger scored 17 points for the Rockets, who looked fresh despite playing their third game in three nights.

Martin leads Rockets past the Hawks
Kevin Martin scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry matched a career high with 18 assists and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish in a 95-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Martin's 27 points lead Rockets' win over Hawks

Zach Randolph scored 23 points, Marc Gasol added 20, and the Memphis Grizzlies earned their first victory of the season, beating the Houston Rockets 113-93 on Friday night. Randolph shot 11 of 14 and grabbed nine rebounds. Gasol and Rudy Gay, who finished with 10 points, each had eight boards as Memphis outrebounded the Rockets 42-33.

Grizzlies bully Rockets, tally first win of season

Zach Randolph scored 23 points, Marc Gasol added 20, and the Memphis Grizzlies earned their first victory of the season, beating the Houston Rockets 113-93 on Friday night.

Martin scores 25 as Rockets rout Spurs (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, Luis Scola added 18 and Kyle Lowry had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead the Houston Rockets to a 105-85 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. The Rockets took advantage of the Spurs' poor shooting at the start and built a big lead. First-year Houston coach Kevin McHale was able to rest his starters in the fourth quarter, with his team...

Martin pours in 25 as Rockets hammer Spurs

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, Luis Scola added 18 and Kyle Lowry had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead the Houston Rockets to a 105-85 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

Banged-up Knicks claim G Lin off waivers (AP)
The New York Knicks have claimed guard Jeremy Lin off waivers. The Knicks are short-handed in the backcourt. Iman Shumpert could miss four weeks with a knee injury, Baron Davis might still be weeks away because of his bulging back disc and Mike Bibby missed the opener with a sore lower back. The 6-foot-3 Lin was released by the Houston Rockets on Sunday to make room for Samuel Dalembert.

Knicks claim guard Lin off waivers from Rockets

The New York Knicks have claimed guard Jeremy Lin off of waivers.

Rockets sign C Dalembert to multiyear contract

The Houston Rockets have signed free-agent center Samuel Dalembert.

Rockets sign Samuel Dalembert
The Houston Rockets have signed free-agent center Samuel Dalembert.

Postgame: Magic defeat Rockets
Dwight Howard discusses Orlando Magic's 104-95 victory over Houston Rockets.

Howard, Magic return home, hold off Rockets

Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 points to lead five Magic players in double figures as Orlando earned its first victory of the season with a 104-95 win over Houston on Monday night.

Turkoglu's 23 help Magic down Rockets (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 points to lead five Magic players in double figures as Orlando earned its first victory of the season with a 104-95 win over Houston on Monday night. Orlando got 13 points from Turkoglu and eight points from J.J. Redick in the fourth quarter to help the Magic stave off a handful of second-half charges by the Rockets.

Turkoglu leads balanced attack for Magic
Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 points to lead five Magic players in double figures as Orlando earned its first victory of the season with a 104-95 win over Houston on Monday night.

Rockets waive C Greg Smith - Greg Smith (C) Houston Rockets
The Rockets have waived C Greg Smith.

Rockets sign former UConn star F Adrien (AP)
The Houston Rockets have signed free-agent forward Jeff Adrien. The 6-foot-7 Adrien had been playing in Italy after appearing in 23 games in separate stints with Golden State in 2010-11. Adrien played in 22 games last season for Rio Grande Valley, the Rockets' developmental league affiliate. A former star at Connecticut, Adrien finished his college career with 1,603 points and 1,126.

Rockets agree to terms with C Dalembert (AP)
A person with knowledge of the deal says free-agent center Samuel Dalembert has agreed to terms with the Houston Rockets. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. ESPN.com first reported that Dalembert had reached terms with Houston, a two-year deal worth $13.7 million that included a team option for the second year.

Sources: Rockets, Dalembert reach 2-year deal

The Houston Rockets have reached terms on a new contract with free-agent center Samuel Dalembert, according to sources close to the situation.

Scola's 20 lead Rockets by short-handed Spurs

Luis Scola scored 20 points, Terrence Williams had 14 and the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 101-87 on Saturday night.

Abnormality in Kings F Hayes' heart test (AP)
A recent heart exam on new Sacramento Kings big man Chuck Hayes shows an abnormality that will require further testing. The Kings announced Thursday night that a stress echocardiogram revealed the abnormality. The former Houston Rockets forward-center signed a $21.3 million, four-year deal with the Kings last week.

Rockets GM refuses to discuss failed Paul deal

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is refusing to answer questions about the three-team deal rejected by the NBA a week ago.

Rockets sign first-round selection Marcus Morris

The Houston Rockets have signed first-round pick Marcus Morris and claimed guard Jeremy Lin off waivers from Golden State.

Sources: Hornets resubmit Paul-to-Lakers trade

The New Orleans Hornets' three-team trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets that would land Chris Paul in L.A. has been resubmitted to the league office for approval, according to sources close to the talks.

Source: Hornets resubmit Paul-to-Lakers trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled out of the three-team deal with New Orleans and Houston that would have landed Chris Paul in L.A., according to a source close to the talks.

Lakers' Gasol practices but trade talk not 'easy'

Pau Gasol went through a full practice with the Lakers on Saturday, pushing aside the uneasiness of the unsettled state of the three-team trade between L.A., New Orleans and Houston.

Reports: Hornets resubmit Paul trade
The New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets have resubmitted to the NBA a trade that would send Chris Paul to the Lakers, according to multiple reports Saturday.

Rockets' Scola, Martin report after failed trade

Kevin Martin and Luis Scola joined the Houston Rockets for their first full practice Friday, hours after the NBA nixed a three-way trade that would have sent them to New Orleans and brought Pau Gasol to town.

Demps given OK to make new deal for Paul (AP)
The Hornets have resumed trade talks for Chris Paul, opening discussions with anyone who is interested. "We're talking about everything. Everything is on the table," general manager Dell Demps said Friday. When asked if he was working with Los Angeles or Houston to resurrect the trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers but was rejected by the NBA Thursday night, Demps would not...

Lakers have deal in place to get G Paul (AP)
People familiar with the negotiations say the framework of a three-team trade is in place to send Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Houston Rockets are the other team involved, and have agreed to send forward Louis Scola, shooting guard Kevin Martin and point guard Goran Dragic to New Orleans, the people told The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity...

Sources: Gasol, Paul part of 3-way trade talks

The Hornets are engaged in trade talks with the Lakers and Rockets about a three-team trade that would send Chris Paul to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to the Rockets, sources said.

Source: Kings offer Hayes four-year, $20M deal

The Sacramento Kings have offered a four-year contract valued at $20 million to Houston Rockets free agent Chuck Hayes, according to a team source.

Sources: Chandler to talk with Warriors, 2 more

Dallas Mavericks free agent Tyson Chandler will meet face-to-face this week with officials from the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets, according to sources close to the situation.

Randolph, Scola compete in NBA charity game

Zach Randolph, DeAndre Jordan and Luis Scola were among the top players who dazzled NBA-starved fans in a charity celebrity game in Houston pulled together by former player and coach John Lucas.

Rockets' Dragic reaches deal with Spanish team

Houston Rockets guard Goran Dragic has reached a deal to play for Spanish club Caja Laboral until the end of the NBA lockout.

Randolph, Scola take part in exhibition (AP)
Zach Randolph, DeAndre Jordan and Luis Scola were among the top players who dazzled NBA-starved fans in a charity celebrity game in Houston pulled together by former player and coach John Lucas. But former player Mike James, also a minister, summed up the issue looming on everybody's mind in his pre-game invocation Sunday.

Rockets guard Dragic joins Spanish team
Houston Rockets guard Goran Dragic has reached a deal to play for Spanish club Caja Laboral until the end of the NBA lockout.

Durant likely to play Lucas charity game (AP)
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Rashard Lewis are expected to headline a charity game to benefit John Lucas' foundation that provides substance-abuse counseling for athletes. The game will be held on Nov. 20 at Delmar Fieldhouse in northwest Houston, once the home of the Houston Cougars' basketball team.

Houston exhibition to benefit Lucas' foundation

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Rashard Lewis are expected to headline a charity game to benefit John Lucas' foundation that provides substance-abuse counseling for athletes.

Yao attending university in Shanghai (AP)
Retired basketball star Yao Ming, whose career was cut short by injury, has started classes at Jiatong University, one of the top universities in his hometown Shanghai. He joked to reporters Monday after his first day of classes that "the teacher showed me some mercy and did not leave me any homework." The former Houston Rockets center, who retired four months ago because of chronic...

Drug charge against NBA vet Camby dropped

Prosecutors have dropped a marijuana possession charge against NBA veteran Marcus Camby after his arrest during a traffic stop in suburban Houston.

Adelman confident he can make Wolves winners

When Rick Adelman parted ways with the Houston Rockets in the spring, he said he thought he had one more coaching job left in him.

NBA vet Camby arrested on marijuana charge

NBA veteran Marcus Camby is free on bond after police in suburban Houston arrested him on a charge of marijuana possession.

Camby arrested for marijuana possession (AP)
NBA veteran Marcus Camby is free on bond after police in suburban Houston arrested him on a charge of marijuana possession. Camby was in a Porsche pulled over Monday for what police called an equipment violation. Pearland police Lt. Onesimo Lopez says an officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and they found less than two ounces of the drug inside.

Blazers C Camby charged with marijuana
NBA veteran Marcus Camby is free on bond after police in suburban Houston arrested him on a charge of marijuana possession.

Agent: Rockets' pick Parsons to play in France

Chandler Parsons, drafted 38th overall by the Houston Rockets in the June draft, is closing in on a two-month deal with French club Cholet, according to his agent.

Rockets' Budinger enters beach volleyball event

Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets has entered the men's open division of the Corona Light Wide Open beach volleyball tournament to be played Saturday and Sunday.

Budinger enters beach volleyball tourney (AP)
Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets has entered the men's open division of the Corona Light Wide Open beach volleyball tournament to be played Saturday and Sunday. The former Arizona star, who has played the last two seasons with the Rockets, will partner with former UC Santa Barbara all-star Dane Jensen.

Ex-NBA referee kills himself; wife's body found

Authorities say a former NBA referee shot and killed himself in a suburban New Orleans hotel room on the same day his wife was found strangled at their Houston area home.

Ex-ref kills self on day wife found dead (AP)
Authorities say a former NBA referee shot and killed himself in a suburban New Orleans hotel room on the same day his wife was found strangled at their Houston area home. A law-enforcement official in Montgomery County, Texas, says Troy Raymond was a person of interest in the death of his wife, Leslie Anderson Raymond, whose body was discovered last Thursday at their home in Spring.

Houston set to host 2013 NBA All-Star weekend

Houston will host the NBA's All-Star weekend in 2013.

Houston to host 2013 NBA All-Star game (AP)
Houston will host the NBA's All-Star weekend in 2013. Tere Perry, public relations manager at the Hilton Americas hotel, confirmed that the hotel has been informed that the All-Star game and the events surrounding it are coming to Houston in February 2013. The hotel is across the street from the Toyota Center, the home of the Rockets, where the game was played in 2006.

Yao nominated for Hall as contributor
Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year as a contributor.

Yao could enter Hall as contributor (AP)
Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year as a contributor. John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel.

Former Bucks, Rockets president Patterson dies

Ray Patterson, who presided over one NBA title and four conference titles as president of the Bucks and Rockets, has died at the age of 89.

Former Bucks, Rockets president Patterson dies

Ray Patterson, who presided over one NBA title and four conference titles as president of the Bucks and Rockets, has died at the age of 89.

Ex-Rockets, Bucks prez Patterson dies (AP)
Ray Patterson, who presided over one NBA title and four conference titles as president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, has died at the age of 89. Patterson's son, former Rockets general manager Steve Patterson, says his father died Wednesday evening at home in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land after a long battle with heart and lung diseases.

Ex-Rockets president Ray Patterson dies
Ray Patterson, who presided over one NBA title and four conference titles as president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, has died at the age of 89.

Wolves interview Bernie Bickerstaff (AP)
Portland assistant Bernie Bickerstaff interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and former Houston coach Rick Adelman was scheduled to come in Saturday as the team searches for a new coach. A person with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press on Friday about the interviews. The person requested anonymity because the team is not commenting publicly on its coaching search.

Report: Wolves looking at Bickerstaff, Adelman

Portland assistant Bernie Bickerstaff interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and former Houston coach Rick Adelman was scheduled to come in Saturday as the team searches for a new coach.

Wolves interview Bernie Bickerstaff (AP)
Portland assistant Bernie Bickerstaff interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and former Houston coach Rick Adelman was scheduled to come in Saturday as the team searches for a new coach. A person with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press on Friday about the interviews. The person requested anonymity because the team is not commenting publicly on its coaching search.

Report: T-Wolves interview Bickerstaff
Portland assistant Bernie Bickerstaff interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and former Houston coach Rick Adelman was scheduled to come in Saturday as the team searches for a new coach.

Yao announces retirement in Shanghai (AP)
A large scroll behind the player who brought China to the NBA and the NBA to China summed up the occasion. "Ming xie," it said in large Chinese characters that, loosely translated, mean "Yao Ming, thanks, the end." Yao, with teary eyes at times and dressed in an equally somber black suit, closed the book Wednesday on his eight-year career with the Houston Rockets, conceding...

It's official: Yao announces retirement in China

The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.

Yao announces retirement in Shanghai (AP)
Yao Ming has made it official Wednesday, telling a packed news conference in his hometown that a series of foot and leg injuries have forced him to retire from basketball. "I will formally end my career," said Yao, the 7-fooot-6 center who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets as the top draft pick in 2002.

Yao set to announce retirement Wednesday (AP)
Yao Ming is likely to make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China. The 7-foot-6 center for the Houston Rockets played eight seasons in the NBA, but has missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.

Boylen completes Pacers coaching staff (AP)
The Indiana Pacers have hired Jim Boylen as assistant coach, rounding out Frank Vogel's staff. The Pacers had previously introduced Brian Shaw as associate head coach and kept Dan Burke as an assistant. Boylen was head coach at the University of Utah from 2007 to 2011. In the NBA, he earned two championship rings as an assistant for the Houston Rockets before stints as an assistant at Golden...

Rockets hire Sampson, 3 others as assistants

The Rockets have officially announced the additions of four assistants to Kevin McHale's staff, including former college coach Kelvin Sampson.

Suns hire Turner as defensive specialist (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have hired Elston Turner as a defensive specialist on coach Alvin Gentry's staff. The move was announced Thursday. The 52-year-old Turner has spent the past six seasons as lead assistant to coach Rick Adelman, the last four years in Houston and two in Sacramento. In all, Turner has 14 years experience as an NBA assistant, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996.

Durant: Yao should be in Hall of Fame (AP)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant says it is "tough" to see Yao Ming retire and that the player deserves to be in the basketball Hall of Fame. Durant said during a promotional tour in China on Tuesday that it has been an honor to play against the 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center. Yao is expected to announce at a news conference on July 20 that he's retiring from the NBA after...

Sampson, Bickerstaff join Rockets staff (AP)
Kevin McHale has added a couple of familiar names to the Houston Rockets coaching staff. Kelvin Sampson and J.B. Bickerstaff will join McHale once teams get back to work, a person with knowledge of the decisions said Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made by the team in the midst of the NBA lockout.

Report: Rockets add Sampson, Bickerstaff
Kevin McHale has added a couple of familiar names to the Houston Rockets coaching staff.

Reports: Sampson, J.B. Bickerstaff to Rockets

Kelvin Sampson and J.B. Bickerstaff will join Kevin McHale's coaching staff with the Rockets, according to media reports.

Report: Yao to retire, but yet to file paperwork

Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is retiring after nine NBA seasons, according to a person with direct knowledge of his decision.

Yao's agent declines comment on center's plans

Yao Ming's American agent would not confirm reports that the Houston Rockets' All-Star center is retiring, saying Yao has scheduled a July 20 news conference in Shanghai to reveal his plans.

Report: Rockets C Yao to retire (AP)
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Yao Ming is retiring from basketball. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, plagued by lower-body injuries in the second half of his career, has informed the league office that his playing career is over, the website reported. The Rockets have no comment on the report because of the lockout, and the NBA has not received official retirement paperwork from Yao.

Rockets pick up option for backup PG Dragic

The Houston Rockets have picked up the team option for next season on backup point guard Goran Dragic.

Rockets pick up option on G Dragic (AP)
The Houston Rockets have picked up the team option for next season on backup point guard Goran Dragic. The 6-foot-3 Dragic joined the Rockets at the trade deadline last February in the deal that sent Aaron Brooks to Phoenix. Dragic played in 22 games, averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

New Bull Butler joins team, hangs with D-Rose

Jimmy Butler was at the airport in Houston on his way to Chicago when he got a text message from Derrick Rose.

Rockets get Flynn from Wolves for Miller (AP)
The Houston Rockets acquired point guard Jonny Flynn and Lithuanian big man Donatas Motiejunas in a trade with Minnesota during Thursday night's NBA draft and sent center Brad Miller and the 23rd pick to the Timberwolves. Houston used its first-round pick, No. 14 overall, on Kansas forward Marcus Morris and its second-rounder, No.

Sources: Rockets acquire Wolves' Flynn in deal

The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement on a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire guard Jonny Flynn and the rights to No. 20 overall pick Donatas Motiejunas, according to sources with knowledge of the trade.

Rockets draft Chandler Parsons No. 38 - Chandler Parsons (F) Houston Rockets
The Rockets drafted 6'10" forward Chandler Parsons with the No. 38 pick of the 2011 draft.

Rockets trade C Miller to Wolves (AP)

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have traded the 23rd and 38th picks in the draft, a future first-round pick and center Brad Miller to Minnesota for 7-foot Lithuanian Donatas Motiejunas and point guard Jonny Flynn. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the deal has not yet been approved by the league.

Sources: Rockets acquire Wolves' Flynn in deal

The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement on a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire guard Jonny Flynn and the rights to No. 20 overall pick Donatas Motiejunas, according to sources with knowledge of the trade.

Yao mum on future with Rockets
Yao Ming is staying tightlipped about his future once his contract with the Houston Rockets expires at the end of this month.

Horry's daughter dies after long illness (AP)
The 17-year-old daughter of former NBA star Robert Horry died Tuesday after battling a rare genetic condition. Ashlyn Horry was born in Houston in 1994 and eventually diagnosed with the 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, a rare chromosome disease that is characterized by intellectual disability, delayed growth, seizures and respiratory problems.

Sources: Person to interview for Rockets' staff

Lakers assistant coach Chuck Person traveled to Houston on Sunday and will interview with the Rockets for a position on new head coach Kevin McHale's staff on Monday, according to multiple sources.

Rockets introduce McHale as new coach
Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander officially introduced Kevin McHale as the team's new coach on Friday.

Rockets owner introduces McHale as 'perfect fit'

Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander officially introduced Kevin McHale as the team's new coach on Friday.

Rockets hire McHale as coach
Kevin McHale has been hired to coach the Houston Rockets.

Rockets make official hiring of McHale as coach

Kevin McHale has been hired to coach the Houston Rockets.

Ex-BYU star Fredette working on defense (AP)

Former BYU star Jimmer Fredette says people have been telling him his whole life he's not a good defensive player but he thinks he's on his way to proving them wrong as he works out for a series of NBA teams. The 6-foot-2 point guard who averaged 28.9 points per game last season had his first workout on Tuesday with the Indiana Pacers.

McHale agrees to be next Rockets head coach

Kevin McHale confirmed Tuesday night that he has agreed to become the next head coach of the Houston Rockets.

Report: McHale has deal to be Rockets coach

The Houston Rockets have reached agreement on a contract for Kevin McHale to become their new coach, Yahoo! Sports is reporting.

Rockets offer McHale coaching job
NBA sources told FOX 26 Sports former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale has been offered the job to become new head coach of the Houston Rockets. He would replace Rick Adelman who parted ways with the team last month.

Rockets close to hiring McHale as coach (AP)
A person familiar with the situation says the Houston Rockets are close to hiring Kevin McHale as their new coach. The person says the team is negotiating a contract with McHale. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet complete. McHale would take over for Rick Adelman, who left the team days after his fourth season in Houston.

Report: Rockets hire McHale as coach
The Houston Rockets agreed to terms on a contract Friday with Kevin McHale to become the team's next head coach, Yahoo! Sports reported.

Report: Lakers high on Adelman?
Former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman was being tipped Saturday as a strong candidate for the Lakers coaching vacancy after being officially contacted by the franchise, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Yao recovering, hopes to remain with Rockets

Yao Ming says his surgically repaired left ankle is healing properly and he would like to remain with the Houston Rockets.

Sources: McHale to interview with Rockets again

TNT analyst Kevin McHale will get another interview with the Houston Rockets as the team completes a second round of sitdowns this week with the three finalists for its coaching vacancy, according to sources close to the process.

Yao suing Chinese sportswear maker (AP)
China's official news agency says Yao Ming has sued a sportswear maker for allegedly using his name and logo to sell its products. Xinhua News Agency reported Friday that the injured Houston Rockets center had sued Wuhan Yunhe Sharks Sportswear Co. for putting his name and logo "Yao Ming Era" on its shoes.

Report: Rockets interview McHale
Former Minnestoa Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale interviewed with the Houston Rockets Tuesday as the team searches for its next head coach, according to sources cited by myFOXhouston.com.

Sources: Rockets to interview Mavericks' Casey

Houston Rockets officials have scheduled a Thursday night interview in Dallas with Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey about their coaching vacancy, according to sources close to the process.

Rockets talk with ex-guard Lucas about opening

Former Rockets guard John Lucas is the latest candidate to interview for Houston's coaching vacancy as part of Houston's broad search to replace Rick Adelman.

Rockets interested in Brian Shaw
LA Times Lakers beat writer, Mike Bresnahan, just tweeted that the Lakers have given the Houston Rockets permission to speak with Brian Shaw, who's currently the assistant coach on the Lakers staff.

Houston Rockets asked to talk to Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw

The Houston Rockets have requested permission to speak to Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw about their head coaching vacancy.

Report: Houston Rockets add Kevin McHale to big interview list

Kevin McHale will join a long list of cadidates interviewing for the Houston Rockets coaching job, Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday.

Recovering Yao Ming wants to re-sign with Houston Rockets

Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Injured Yao wants to stick with Rockets (AP)

Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer. Yao says his priority is recovering from the stress fracture to his left ankle that kept him out of all but five games this season. He told reporters in his hometown of Shanghai on Thursday that he hopes to begin workouts once he returns to the U.S.

Yao wants to stay with Rockets
Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Sources: Houston Rockets get OK to interview Dallas Mavericks' Dwane Casey

The Rockets have received permission to interview Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey, according to sources close to the situation.

Adelman out as Rockets coach (AP)
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey says the team is looking for a new coach because it needed a different direction, not because Rick Adelman did a poor job. The Rockets announced Monday that Adelman would not be retained after going 193-135 in four seasons. His contract expires on June 30. Adelman guided Houston to its lone playoff series victory since 1997 and moved into eighth on the...

Daryl Morey says Rockets will continue to change

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and Rick Adelman talked for hours, sharing their ideas for how to mold the team into a championship contender. They just couldn't find enough common ground.

Scola undergoes minor knee surgery
Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola has had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to recover in time for training camp.

FS Houston Adelman could see it coming
Rick Adelman and the Rockets may have parted ways Monday, but you could see this separation coming for some time.

Rockets parting ways with Adelman
Rick Adelman is out as coach of the Houston Rockets.

Source: Rick Adelman won't return as Houston Rockets' head coach

Rick Adelman will not be given another contract and is out as coach of the Houston Rockets, a league source confirmed to ESPN.com.

Report: Adelman out as Rockets' coach
Report: Rick Adelman out as Houston Rockets' head coach.

Adelman out as Rockets coach (AP)
A person familiar with the decision says Rick Adelman is out as coach of the Houston Rockets. The team will not renew Adelman's contract for next season says the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Monday because the team has not made an official announcement. KRIV-TV and the Houston Chronicle first reported the decision.

Luis Scola of Houston Rockets recovering after knee surgery

Rockets forward Luis Scola has had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to recover in time for training camp.

Rockets appear headed for rebuilding job (AP)
Rick Adelman came to Houston in 2007 hoping to build a contending team around All-Stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. Both were stricken with injuries almost from the moment Adelman arrived, and the Rockets played most of the last two seasons without them. McGrady underwent microfracture surgery on his knee and was traded away in February 2010, and Yao missed all but five games this season with a...

Wolves fall to Rockets, clinch NBA's worst mark

Chase Budinger scored a career-high 35 points and Kevin Martin added 25 to lead the Houston Rockets to a 121-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in the season finale for both teams.

OT win puts Mavs alone in 2nd in West (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and 12 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 98-91 in overtime Monday night to move a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Shawn Marion and Jason Terry scored 21 points each, and Tyson Chandler grabbed 12 rebounds for the Mavericks, who snapped a three-game road losing streak by beating Houston for...

Rockets take control in first half, crush Clippers

Chase Budinger, Kevin Martin and Brad Miller scored 16 points apiece and Chuck Hayes had 12 points and 13 rebounds in the Houston Rockets' 99-78 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. Goran Dragic had 14 points, seven assists and a career-high 10 rebounds in his first start for the Rockets since he was acquired from Phoenix at the trade deadline.

Hornets wrap up postseason berth (AP)

Chris Paul has the New Orleans Hornets in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Paul had 28 points and 10 assists, and the Hornets clinched a playoff spot with a 101-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Trevor Ariza, acquired by the Hornets from Houston in an offseason trade, scored 19 for a second straight game and tied a season high with six steals.

Injury-plagued Blazers make playoffs (AP)
The perpetually promising Portland Trail Blazers are back in the NBA playoffs despite another season of untimely injuries. Portland claimed its playoff berth on Tuesday night with a whimper: Houston's loss to Sacramento clinched a spot for the Blazers, who were then routed 108-87 by the Golden State Warriors.

Rockets take huge hit to playoff chances (AP)

Marcus Thornton and Samuel Dalembert scored 21 points apiece, Dalembert and DeMarcus Cousins each grabbed 15 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings hurt Houston's playoff hopes with a 104-101 win over the Rockets on Tuesday night. Tyreke Evans scored 18 points and Cousins scored 15 for the Kings. Kevin Martin scored 30 for the Rockets, who blew a big chance to gain ground on Memphis in the race for...

Rodman, Mullin lead Hall of Fame class (AP)
Dennis Rodman, Chris Mullin and a trio of coaching legends are part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2011. Coaches Tex Winter, innovator of the "Triangle" offense, Stanford's Tara VanDerveer and Philadelphia University's Herb Magee were part of the class announced Monday at the Final Four in Houston.

Rodman, Mullin headline HOF class
Rebounding specialist Dennis Rodman and longtime Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Chris Mullin headlined the 2011 Basketball Hall of Fame class, which was announced Monday in Houston ahead of the national championship game between UConn and Butler.

Martin's 35 keeps Rockets in West playoff race

Kevin Martin scored 35 points and Luis Scola added 12 of his 15 in the second half to lead the Houston Rockets to their seventh straight home win, 114-109 over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. Scola made a jumper from the top of the key with 1:32 remaining to make it 107-104. He buried another one from the same spot about a minute later to stretch the lead to 109-105.

Rockets send sliding Spurs to sixth straight loss

Kevin Martin scored 33 points, including nine in overtime, and the Houston Rockets extended the San Antonio Spurs' losing streak to six games with a 119-114 victory Friday night. San Antonio hadn't dropped six in a row since April 10-20, 1997. The Spurs, down by 11 points late in the third quarter, forced overtime on a free throw by Tim Duncan with 18 seconds left in regulation that tied it...

Spurs lose sixth consecutive game
Kevin Martin scored 33 points, including nine in overtime, and the Houston Rockets extended the San Antonio Spurs' losing streak to six games with a 119-114 victory Friday night.

Rodman: I was elected to Hall of Fame (AP)
Dennis Rodman has been voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Rodman says he was informed Thursday to be in Houston for Sunday's announcement. The five-time NBA champion and two-time defensive player of the year was honored Friday night by the Detroit Pistons, who retired his No. 10 jersey, during halftime of their game against the Chicago Bulls.

Sixers beat Rockets, inch closer to playoff berth

Jrue Holiday had 24 points and 12 assists, and Thaddeus Young scored 22 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-97 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Holiday, Young lead 76ers past Rockets (AP)

Jrue Holiday had 24 points and 12 assists, and Thaddeus Young scored 22 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to 108-97 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Andre Iguodala had 10 assists and the Sixers had 30 of them on 46 baskets. Spencer Hawes and Jodie Meeks each scored 12 points. Kyle Lowry led the Rockets with 19 points and Kevin Martin had 18.

Sixers beat Rockets, inch closer to playoff berth

Jrue Holiday had 24 points and 12 assists, and Thaddeus Young scored 22 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-97 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Rockets inch closer to playoffs with rout of Nets

Kyle Lowry had 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and the Houston Rockets moved within two games of the final playoff berth in the Western Conference with a 112-87 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Kevin Martin added 20 points as the Rockets (39-35) posted their sixth win in seven games and inched closer to idle eighth-place Memphis (41-33) with eight games left in the...

Deron Williams' status still uncertain for New Jersey Nets vs. New York Knicks

Nets coach Avery Johnson reiterated before Tuesday night's game against the Houston Rockets that injured point guard Deron Williams remains day to day, and may play on Wednesday night when the Nets head to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks.

James, Wade, Bosh score 30-plus in win (AP)

Dwyane Wade was hurting at halftime and spent much of the third quarter recovering in the Miami locker room. He returned in plenty of time to help set Heat history. LeBron James had 33 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Chris Bosh added 31 points and 12 rebounds, and the Heat beat the Houston Rockets 125-119 on Sunday for their eighth win in nine games.

Big Three combines for 94 in Heat win
LeBron James had 33 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Chris Bosh added 31 points and 12 rebounds, and the Miami Heat set a franchise record in beating the Houston Rockets 125-119 on Sunday for their eighth win in nine games.

Dwyane Wade returns after injuring tailbone vs. Rockets

Dwyane Wade suffered a bruised tailbone in the second quarter of the Miami Heat's game against the Houston Rockets.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas near return to Miami Heat; Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem to travel with team

Heat center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has recovered from his infected foot and is expected to be in uniform Sunday when Miami hosts the Houston Rockets.

Hayes' first triple-double lifts Rockets (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 34 points, Chuck Hayes got his first career triple-double and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 131-112 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory. Hayes had 14 rebounds, 13 points and 11 assists for the Rockets, who remained two games behind Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Rockets assign C Thabeet to D-League (AP)
The Houston Rockets have assigned center Hasheem Thabeet to their developmental league affiliate in Rio Grande Valley. The 7-foot-3 Thabeet has played in only two games since the Rockets acquired him from Memphis in the deadline deal that sent Shane Battier to the Grizzlies. Thabeet averaged 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 45 games with Memphis this season.

Lowry lifts Rockets with first career triple-double

Kyle Lowry had 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Houston's first triple-double of the season, and the Rockets moved past Utah in the Western Conference standings with a 110-108 victory over the Jazz on Sunday night.

Lowry's triple-double lifts Rockets (AP)

Martin scores 25 in rout of Celtics
Chuck Hayes showed Kevin Garnett he wasn't intimidated, and the Houston Rockets took a cue from their tough forward and routed the Boston Celtics.

Rockets continue playoff push; rout sliding Celts

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, rookie Patrick Patterson had 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets routed the Boston Celtics 93-77 on Friday night.

Rockets stay hot, rip slumping Celtics (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 25 points, rookie Patrick Patterson had 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets routed the Boston Celtics 93-77 on Friday night. Kyle Lowry scored 20 and had nine assists and Chuck Hayes had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won three in a row and moved within 1 1/2 games of Memphis in the race for the final playoff spot in the...

Shaquille O'Neal travels with Boston Celtics on three-game trip

Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal traveled with the team to Houston on Thursday for the start of a three-game road trip Friday night against the Rockets even though he might not play during the trip.

Rockets coast past Bobcats 94-78 (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 21 points, Chuck Hayes matched his season high with 17 rebounds and the Houston Rockets never trailed in a 94-78 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Chase Budinger scored 19 and rookie Patrick Patterson added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who began the night in 11th place in the West, three games behind Memphis for the final playoff spot.

Houston Rockets swingman Terrence Williams likely out one week

Houston Rockets guard Terrence Williams is expected to miss a week after undergoing minor surgery on Tuesday to relieve lower abdominal distress.

Rockets G Williams to miss a week (AP)
Houston Rockets guard Terrence Williams is expected to miss a week after undergoing minor surgery on Tuesday to relieve lower abdominal distress. The 6-foot-6 Williams sat out Monday's win over Phoenix. He's played in 11 games since the Rockets acquired him from New Jersey in a three-team deal in December.

With Nash out, Rockets finally get win over Suns

Kevin Martin scored 23 points, Chuck Hayes had a career-high 21 points and nine rebounds and the Houston Rockets snapped a seven-game losing streak to Phoenix with a 95-93 win over the Suns on Monday night. Kyle Lowry added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Rockets, who stayed three games behind Memphis in the race for the final playoff spot.

Parker thwarts Rockets' comeback bid (AP)

Tony Parker scored 21 points and helped the San Antonio Spurs beat back a second-half comeback bid by the Houston Rockets for a 115-107 victory Saturday night. The Spurs led by 13 points in the second quarter and were up by 10 at the half before Houston took its first lead at 67-66 on a dunk by Jordan Hill with 6:06 left in the third quarter.

Parker kicks in 21 as Spurs beat back Rockets

Tony Parker scored 21 points and helped the San Antonio Spurs beat back a second-half comeback bid by the Houston Rockets for a 115-107 victory Saturday night.

Adelman ties for 10th on wins list (AP)

Rick Adelman slowly rose from the Houston Rockets bench, nodded at the Sacramento Kings coaches and headed to the visitors locker room with another victory. This one, though, was a bit more special. Adelman tied Dick Motta for 10th on the NBA's career victories list, getting his 935th as Chad Budinger scored 20 points and Kyle Lowry had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the...

Rockets win, Adelman moves into top 10 in wins

Chad Budinger scored 20 points and Kyle Lowry had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Houston Rockets, who defeated the Sacramento Kings 123-101 on Monday night to give coach Rick Adelman his 935th win as an NBA coach.

Suns win seventh straight over Rockets (AP)

Hakim Warrick scored a career-high 32 points starting in place of injured Channing Frye and the Phoenix Suns added to their recent mastery of Houston with a 113-110 victory over the Rockets on Tuesday night. Vince Carter scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, including two of his five 3-pointers, in the Suns' seventh consecutive victory over Houston.

Warrick, Suns prove to be too much for Rockets

Hakim Warrick scored a career-high 32 points starting in place of injured Channing Frye and the Phoenix Suns added to their recent mastery of Houston with a 113-110 victory over the Rockets on Tuesday night.

Moble wants to open dispensary
Cuttino Mobley wants to be your dealer. After retiring from the NBA in 2008, the former NBA star who was drafted by the Houston Rockets, plans to open a medical marijuana dispensary.

Mobley opening pot dispensary
Cuttino Mobley wants to be your dealer. After retiring from the NBA in 2008, the former NBA star who was drafted by the Houston Rockets, plans to open a medical marijuana dispensary.

Rockets beat Pacers to continue surge (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 20 points, Chase Budinger and Kyle Lowry added 18 apiece and the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 112-95 Saturday night. Luis Scola scored 16 and Chuck Hayes had 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won six of seven and are climbing into the Western Conference playoff picture.

Streaking Rockets roll Pacers in push for eighth

Kevin Martin scored 20 points, Chase Budinger and Kyle Lowry added 18 apiece and the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 112-95 Saturday night.

Gordon nets 24 in return as Clips top Rockets

Eric Gordon scored nine of his 24 points during the final 4:46 in his return to the lineup, Blake Griffin had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and the Clippers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 106-103 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Gordon has 24 in return, Clips end skid (AP)

Eric Gordon scored nine of his 24 points during the final 4:46 in his return to the Clippers' lineup, Blake Griffin had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Los Angeles snapped a five-game losing streak with a 106-103 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Gordon shot 8 for 18 in 35 minutes after missing 18 games because of a sprained right wrist that had a small fracture in it.

Rockets win fifth straight to reach .500 (AP)

Kyle Lowry had 21 points and 11 assists, and the Houston Rockets won their fifth straight with a 103-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Luis Scola added 21 points and Kevin Martin had 20 for Houston, which snapped a four-game losing streak at the Rose Garden and reached .500 at 31-31.

Rockets shake 16-point deficit for 4th in a row

Kevin Martin scored 33 points and the Houston Rockets won their fourth straight, 91-89 over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.

Down 16, Rockets rally past Hornets (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 33 points and the Houston Rockets won their fourth straight, 91-89 over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday. Kyle Lowry added 18 points for the Rockets, who overcame a 16-point, second-half deficit and made 11 3-pointers in the game, four each by Martin and Lowry. Martin was 13 of 13 on free throws, hitting two key foul shots with 18.4 seconds left to give Houston a 90-87 lead.

G Goran Dragic of Houston Rockets out with flu-like symptoms

Houston guard Goran Dragic has been scratched with flulike symptoms from the Rockets' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Rockets G Dragic out with flu symptoms (AP)
Houston guard Goran Dragic has been scratched with flulike symptoms from the Rockets' game against the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Dragic, acquired from Phoenix shortly before last Thursday's NBA's trading deadline, made his Rockets debut Saturday night, scoring six points in 10 minutes in Houston's victory at New Jersey.

Rockets win ninth straight against Nets (AP)

Mimicking the post-game routine of the man he replaced in the starting lineup, Chase Budinger put on a buttoned-down shirt, sat at his locker and plunged his bare feet into tubs of ice water after Saturday's win over New Jersey. Budinger scored 27 points and Houston beat Deron Williams and the Nets 123-108 in the Rockets' first game since trading away Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks.

Rockets waive seldom-used F Jeffries (AP)
The Houston Rockets have waived seldom-used forward Jared Jeffries' expiring contract, an expected move following a pair of trades made just before Thursday's deadline. The 6-foot-9 Jeffries, acquired from New York in the Tracy McGrady deal last February, is due to make about $6.9 million this season.

Report: Houston Rockets trade away G Aaron Brooks, F Shane Battier in separate deals

The Rockets have sent point guard Aaron Brooks to Phoenix and forward Shane Battier to Memphis in separate deals that will bring guard Goran Dragic and center Hasheem Thabeet to Houston, a person familiar with the deals told The Associated Press.

Rockets deal PG Brooks, F Battier (AP)
The Rockets sent point guard Aaron Brooks to Phoenix and forward Shane Battier to Memphis in separate deals Thursday that bring guard Goran Dragic and center Hasheem Thabeet to Houston, according to a person familiar with the specifics of the trades. The Rockets also get first-round draft picks from both teams and ship rookie guard Ish Smith to the Grizzlies.

Patterson helps Rockets beat Pistons (AP)

Rookie forward Patrick Patterson scored a career-high 20 points, including seven in a row late in the fourth quarter as the Houston Rockets pulled away for a 108-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. After both teams had blown double-digit leads, Patterson's tip-in gave Houston a 95-94 advantage.

Sources: Shane Battier in mix as Boston Celtics look for help

The Celtics are looking for help, and Houston's Shane Battier is one name that has been thrown into the mix, according to sources.

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan to replace Houston Rockets' Yao Ming, start in All-Star Game

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says Tim Duncan will replace Yao Ming in the Western Conference's starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Anthony scores 38, Nuggets beat Bucks (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 38 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Milwaukee Bucks 94-87 on Wednesday night in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break. Anthony shook off a sore right shoulder after being hit in Monday night's loss to Houston to go 16 of 30 from the field and leave a lasting impression before heading to Los Angeles.

Rockets stifle Anthony, beat Nuggets (AP)

The Houston Rockets misfired early, and seemed on the verge of getting routed by Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. When Courtney Lee and the rest of the Rockets' reserves sparked the rally, the Nuggets had no answer. Lee scored 22 points and Aaron Brooks added 18 off the bench and Houston shook off the sluggish start to shoot well from 3-point range in a 121-102 win over Denver on Monday...

Rockets drain 14 3-pointers to blast Nuggets

Courtney Lee scored 22 points, Shane Battier added 17 and the Houston Rockets shot well from 3-point range and controlled Carmelo Anthony in a 121-102 win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

NBA rescinds two T's by Dallas Mavericks' Tyson Chandler

On Monday, the league vindicated Tyson Chandler, rescinding the technicals he picked up in Wednesday's game at Sacramento and in Saturday's game at Houston.

Stojakovic's 4 3s help Mavs top Rockets (AP)

Peja Stojakovic scored 22 points and broke a tie with Dale Ellis for fourth place in career 3-pointers as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets 106-102 on Saturday night. Stojakovic, who was 1 for 11 from 3-point range in his previous three games, went 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. He has 1,723 career 3s and trails only teammate Jason Kidd (1,756), Reggie Miller (2,560) and Ray Allen (2,562)...

Love sets team double-double mark in win (AP)

Kevin Love set a Minnesota record with his 38th consecutive double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the Timberwolves' 112-108 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Love passed Kevin Garnett (2006) for the team's double-double record. Love's streak is now the longest since Moses Malone had 44 in a row during the 1982-83 season with Philadelphia.

Aaron Brooks of Houston Rockets contrite after leaving court before game's end

Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks apologized to coach Rick Adelman and general manager Daryl Morey for leaving the bench late in Saturday's win over Memphis because he was frustrated with his playing time.

Rockets' Brooks sorry for leaving court (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks has apologized to coach Rick Adelman and general manager Daryl Morey for leaving the bench late in Saturday's win over Memphis because he was frustrated with his playing time. Brooks walked to the locker room in the fourth quarter after Adelman took him out of the game.

Martin's 37 trumps Melo's 50 as Rockets prevail

Kevin Martin scored 37 points and the Houston Rockets took advantage of Nene's absence and Chauncey Billups' early exit to beat the Denver Nuggets 108-103 Monday night despite Carmelo Anthony's 50-point effort that tied his career high.

Rockets overcome 'Melo's 50, top Nuggets (AP)

Rockets top Nuggets despite Carmelo's 50
Kevin Martin scored 37 points and the Houston Rockets took advantage of Nene's absence and Chauncey Billups' early exit to beat the Denver Nuggets 108-103 Monday night despite Carmelo Anthony's 50-point effort that tied his career high.

Rockets suspend Brooks for leaving court (AP)
The Houston Rockets are without suspended guard Aaron Brooks against the Denver Nuggets. The Rockets suspended Brooks for one game for leaving the court in the fourth quarter of their win over Memphis on Saturday. Brooks has been frustrated about his diminished role. He did not travel with the team to Denver.

Nene misses Denver Nuggets game with illness

Nene was held out of the Denver Nuggets' game against the Houston Rockets because of the flu.

Rockets G Brooks suspended one game
The Houston Rockets are without suspended guard Aaron Brooks against the Denver Nuggets.

Rockets earn first OT win in 6 tries (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 31 points, including 15-for-15 shooting from the free-throw line, and the Houston Rockets won for the first time in six overtime games this year, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 95-93 on Saturday night. Luis Scola scored six of his 17 points in the extra period and Shane Battier grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won their last 10 games when holding...

Martin's 31 points help Rockets defeat Grizzlies

Kevin Martin scored 31 points, including 15-for-15 shooting from the free-throw line, and the Houston Rockets won for the first time in six overtime games this year, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 95-93 on Saturday night.

Wolves' Love gets Yao's All-Star spot (AP)
Kevin Love will be going to the NBA All-Star game. The NBA's leading rebounder was added to the Western Conference roster on Friday night by Commissioner David Stern as the injury replacement for Houston center Yao Ming. Love was arguably the biggest snub when reserves were announced Thursday night.

Lakers edge Rockets in OT to get back on track

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol had 26, including the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Bynum-less Lakers outlast Rockets in OT (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol hit the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Gasol had 26 points and 16 rebounds, and Lamar Odom had 20 points and a season-high 20 rebounds in his return to the Lakers' starting lineup.

Lakers outlast Rockets in overtime
Kobe Bryant scored 32 points, Pau Gasol hit the go-ahead layup with 1:04 left in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from consecutive home losses with a 114-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Drexler foresees franchise in London (AP)

NBA great Clyde Drexler can foresee a league franchise being based in London, maybe even within the next decade. "Clyde the Glide," in the British capital to help promote the first regular-season NBA games to be played in London in March, said Wednesday that basketball has proven itself in Europe and expansion to the continent may just be a matter of time.

Rockets upend Jazz as Williams, Kirilenko sit out

Kevin Martin scored on a three-point play with 6.9 seconds left and finished with 22 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a come-from-behind 97-96 victory over the short-handed Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Rockets rally past short-handed Jazz (AP)

Jazz G Williams out fourth straight game
Utah Jazz star guard Deron Williams will miss his fourth straight game Wednesday night against Houston because of a wrist injury.

Deron Williams of Utah Jazz to miss fourth straight game

Jazz star guard Deron Williams will miss his fourth straight game Wednesday night against Houston because of a wrist injury.

Lakers C Bynum has bone bruise in knee (AP)
Starting center Andrew Bynum is out of the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup for their game against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night with a bone bruise in his left knee. Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn't sure how long the shot-blocking 7-footer will be sidelined with the latest knee injury in a long list of setbacks.

Lakers C Bynum out with bone bruise
Starting center Andrew Bynum is out of the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup for their game against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night with a bone bruise in his left knee.

Andrew Bynum MRI shows bone bruise; out vs. Houston Rockets

The Lakers, losers of four of their last seven games including their last two in a row at home, will be without starting center Andrew Bynum on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets.

Duncan's All-Star spot could be at stake (AP)
Tim Duncan's championship credentials will someday mandate a spot in the Hall of Fame. "He's a pillar, one of the few pillars of this league," Houston's Shane Battier said. One who is having a mediocre season statistically, the kind that would normally warrant a long weekend off next month.

Spurs first to 40 wins with victory over Rockets

Manu Ginobili scored 22 points and the San Antonio Spurs became the NBA's first 40-game winner, beating the Houston Rockets 108-95 on Saturday night.

Spurs first to 40 wins, beat Rockets (AP)

Manu Ginobili scored 22 points and the San Antonio Spurs became the NBA's first 40-game winner, beating the Houston Rockets 108-95 on Saturday night. Richard Jefferson added 18 points to help the Spurs win their 18th in a row at home. But it was San Antonio's last game at the AT&T Center for three weeks with the Spurs embarking on their annual Rodeo Road Trip starting Tuesday.

Spurs top Rockets, first to 40 wins
Manu Ginobili scored 22 points and the San Antonio Spurs became the NBA's first 40-game winner, beating the Houston Rockets 108-95 on Saturday night.

Mavs continue surge, hold off Rockets (AP)

Tyson Chandler matched his season high with 21 points and had 15 rebounds, reserve J.J. Barea added 19 points and the Dallas Mavericks hung on after wasting most of a 25-point first-half lead in a 111-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points and Jason Terry contributed 15 points for Dallas.

Mavericks win fourth in five games
Tyson Chandler matched his season high with 21 points and had 15 rebounds, reserve J.J. Barea added 19 points and the Dallas Mavericks hung on after wasting most of a 25-point first-half lead in a 111-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night.

Rockets' defense shuts down Griffin, Clippers

Kyle Lowry scored 20 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed 11 rebounds and led Houston's stingy defense on rookie star Blake Griffin, and the Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-83 on Wednesday night.

Rockets contain Griffin, rip Clippers (AP)

Dallas Mavericks acquisition Peja Stojakovic's debut 'very doubtful' to take place against Houston Rockets

Mavericks acquisition Peja Stojakovic's debut 'very doubtful' to take place against Houston Rockets

Performance coach sues Knicks, Houston
A peak performance coach who once worked with former New York Knicks star Allan Houston says in a lawsuit Houston damaged his career by trashing him instead of trumpeting his skills.

Performance coach files suit vs. New York Knicks, Allan Houston

A peak performance coach who once worked with former Knicks star Allan Houston says in a lawsuit Houston damaged his career.

Bucks sign G Temple to 10-day contract (AP)
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Garrett Temple to a 10-day contract. The 24-year-old Temple has appeared in 30 games with San Antonio, Houston and Sacramento over the last two seasons, averaging 4.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in a little under 12 minutes. The Bucks have struggled with injuries to starters Brandon Jennings (left foot), John Salmons (right hip) and Drew Gooden (left foot).

Rockets slip by Wolves behind Martin's 34 points

Kevin Martin scored 34 points and Shane Battier added a season-high 19 to lead the Houston Rockets to a 129-125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

Magic score big in first half, coast past Rockets

Dwight Howard had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu added 21 points and the Orlando Magic built a big first-half lead on their way to an easy 118-104 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Randolph's 29 and 19 lift Grizzlies (AP)

Zach Randolph had 29 points and 19 rebounds, Rudy Gay added 22 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a seven-game losing streak to Houston with a 115-110 victory over the Rockets on Friday night. Randolph scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies outscored Houston 10-2 in the final 2:26 to snap the Rockets' three-game winning streak.

Rockets hand Knicks fourth straight loss (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 21 points, Chuck Hayes grabbed 12 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat New York 104-89 on Wednesday night, handing the Knicks their fourth straight loss. Kyle Lowry added 18 points, and Luis Scola and Chase Budinger scored 13 points apiece for the Rockets, who rode a hot shooting start to their sixth straight win over New York at the Toyota Center.

Martin scores 36 as Rockets beat Bucks (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 36 points and the Houston Rockets recovered from their lowest first-half point total of the season in a 93-84 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Luis Scola had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Jordan Hill added 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Rockets, who snapped a four-game home losing streak.

Martin's 36 help Rockets shake slow start in win

Kevin Martin scored 36 points and the Houston Rockets recovered from their lowest first-half point total of the season in a 93-84 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Rockets rookie Patterson taken to hospital
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' 112-106 victory over Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion.

Rockets end Hawks' home win streak at 10 (AP)

Aaron Brooks had 24 points and 10 assists, Luis Scola added 20 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-106 on Saturday night. Houston overcame a nine-point deficit in the third quarter after rookie forward Patrick Patterson left Philips Arena in an ambulance because of chest pain and congestion.

Patrick Patterson of Houston Rockets sent to hospital with chest pains

Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' game against Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion.

Rockets' Patterson taken to hospital (AP)
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' game against Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion. Team spokesman Bob Schranz said Patterson left in an ambulance before the start of the third quarter. Schranz added that Patterson, the NBA's No. 14 overall draft pick, was experiencing flulike symptoms before the game.

Hornets overcome big deficit to win in overtime

David West scored 29 points, Jarrett Jack added 23 points and seven assists and the New Orleans Hornets rallied from 16 points down in the third quarter to beat the Houston Rockets 110-105 in overtime Friday night.

Down 16, Hornets rally by Rockets in OT (AP)

NBA grants Houston Rockets salary exception to replace Yao Ming

The NBA has granted a disabled player salary exception to the Houston Rockets in the wake of Yao Ming's latest season-ending injury.

Thunder tip Rockets, halt 11-game Houston skid

Kevin Durant scored 30 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 points and 13 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the franchise's 11-game losing streak in Houston with a 118-112 win over the Rockets on Wednesday night.

Thunder snap 11-game skid in Houston (AP)
Kevin Durant scored 30 points, Russell Westbrook added 23 points and 13 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the franchise's 11-game losing streak in Houston with a 118-112 win over the Rockets on Wednesday night. Thabo Sefolosha grabbed 13 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka and Jeff Green added 16 points apiece for the Thunder.

Kevin Martin of Houston Rockets out vs. Oklahoma City Thunder with sore wrist

Houston scoring leader Kevin Martin sat out the Rockets' game Wednesday night against Oklahoma City because of a sore right wrist.

Rockets G Martin out against Thunder (AP)
Houston scoring leader Kevin Martin sat out the Rockets' game Wednesday night against Oklahoma City because of a sore right wrist. The 6-foot-7 Martin, averaging 23.2 points, also missed Houston's win Monday night in Boston. Martin leads the league in free throws made (280) and attempted (315) and ranks eighth in accuracy (88.9 percent).

Boston loss pushes idle Heat atop East (AP)
Struggling near .500 barely a month ago, the Miami Heat now lead the Eastern Conference. Boston's loss to Houston on Monday night dropped the Celtics behind Miami in the East standings. Miami is 30-9; the Celtics are now 28-9. The last time Miami led the East this late in a season was at the end of the 2004-05 campaign, according to STATS LLC.

Rockets end skid, hand Celts 2nd straight loss

Aaron Brooks scored 24 points, hitting a pair of free throws with 18 seconds left after Boston cut a 12-point deficit to four and the Houston Rockets held on for a 108-102 victory over the Celtics on Monday night.

Rockets stun Celtics, snap 5-game skid (AP)

Rockets hold off Celtics' late rally
Aaron Brooks scored 24 points, hitting a pair of free throws with 18 seconds left after Boston cut a 12-point deficit to four and the Houston Rockets held on for a 108-102 victory over the Celtics on Monday night.

Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett out against Houston Rockets, but could be back Wed.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said center Kevin Garnett will not return to the lineup Monday night against the Rockets.

Millsap rallies Jazz past Rockets in OT (AP)

Paul Millsap scored 12 of his 27 points in overtime and the Utah Jazz rallied from another double-digit deficit in a 103-99 win over the slumping Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Al Jefferson had 24 points and 13 rebounds and C.J. Miles added 16 points for the Jazz, who have come back to win 12 times this season after trailing by at least 10 points.

Millsap steps up as Jazz survive in OT
Paul Millsap scored 12 of his 27 points in overtime and the Utah Jazz rallied from another double-digit deficit in a 103-99 win over the slumping Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Millsap rallies Jazz to another comeback victory

Jason Richardson and Brandon Bass scored 18 points apiece, and the Orlando Magic rolled to a 110-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The victory extended the Magic's season-best winning streak to eight games. The loss was the fourth straight for Houston. Orlando clung to a three-point advantage at the half, but blew open the game by starting the third quarter on a 19-5 run to...

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard hopes to see Yao Ming of Houston Rockets back, healthy

Magic center Dwight Howard says Yao Ming may have come back from his last injury too soon and that he hopes to see the Houston big man back in the NBA soon.

Howard: Yao may have come back too soon (AP)
Magic center Dwight Howard says Yao Ming may have come back from his last injury too soon and that he hopes to see the Houston big man back in the NBA soon. The 25-year-old Howard said at Friday's shoot around before Orlando plays Houston, that a player who is away from the game for a while rushes to get back -- and that's what he thinks Yao may have done.

Yao scheduled to have ankle surgery (AP)
A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the procedure had not been officially announced by the team.

Report: Yao scheduled for ankle surgery
A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming to have ankle surgery, according to reports

A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Rockets blow Martin's 45 points as Blazers win

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers to a 103-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Blazers overcome 45 by Rockets' Martin (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers to a 103-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The loss spoiled a sensational performance by Kevin Martin, who finished with a season-high 45 points. Rudy Fernandez gave Portland the lead with less than a minute remaining.

Blazers hold off red-hot Martin in win
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers to a 103-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Jazz F Millsap out with bruised hip (AP)
Utah forward Paul Millsap is sitting out against Atlanta because of a bruised hip and Francisco Elson is making his first start in a Jazz uniform. The Jazz also made reserve center Mehmet Okur inactive for Wednesday night's game and said he will not make the next road trip to Memphis and Houston even though results of an MRI showed no significant differences in his lower back.

Aaron Brooks of Houston Rockets out after re-injuring left ankle

Rockets guard Aaron Brooks is out of the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers after aggravating an injury to his left ankle.

Anthony scores 33 as Nuggets win 4th straight

Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points and the Denver Nuggets pulled ahead late in the fourth quarter to beat the Houston Rockets 113-106 Monday night for their fourth consecutive win. Anthony had 11 rebounds and made 13 of 14 free throws to help the Nuggets fend off the Rockets with his eighth game of 30 or more points this season.

Aldridge, Batum lead Trail Blazers past Rockets

LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Nicolas Batum added a season-high 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 100-85 Sunday night for their eighth straight win at home.

Blazers land 8th consecutive home win
LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Nicolas Batum added a season-high 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 100-85 Sunday night for their eighth straight win at home.

Blazers earn eighth straight home win (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Nicolas Batum added a season-high 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 100-85 Sunday night for their eighth straight win at home. Patrick Mills had a career-high 14 points, five assists and five steals for Portland. Wesley Matthews added 14 and Marcus Camby had 13 rebounds and season-high eight assists.

Budinger, Martin lead Rockets by Raptors (AP)

Reserve guard Chase Budinger scored a season-high 22 points, Kevin Martin added 20 and the Houston Rockets beat the Toronto Raptors 114-105 on Friday night. Rookie Patrick Patterson set career highs in points (15) and rebounds (10) for the Rockets, who have won eight of their last 10. Houston shook off a poor first quarter to shoot 48 percent (44 of 91) and win for the ninth time in 10 home games.

Chuck Hayes of Houston Rockets out 2-4 weeks with sprained ankle

Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes will miss 2-4 weeks after spraining his right ankle in practice Thursday.

Rockets F Hayes to miss 2-4 weeks (AP)
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes will miss 2-4 weeks after spraining his right ankle in practice Thursday. The 6-foot-6 Hayes had an MRI and an X-ray that showed a "moderate to severe" sprain, the team said. Hayes has started 20 games in place of center Yao Ming, out for the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Rockets F Hayes hurts ankle in practice
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes will miss 2-4 weeks after spraining his right ankle in practice Thursday.

Heat keep winning on road as Wade scores 45

Dwyane Wade scored 45 points and the Miami Heat extended their road winning streak to 10 games with a 125-119 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Wade scores 45, Heat road streak hits 10 (AP)

Dwyane Wade scored 45 points and the Miami Heat extended their road winning streak to 10 games with a 125-119 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Wade shook off a hard foul from Aaron Brooks early in the fourth quarter to reach 40 points for the 30th time in his career. He hit 17 of 24 shots, went 10 for 10 from the free-throw line and pulled down seven rebounds one night after scoring 40...

Wade, Heat continue hot play on road
Dwyane Wade scored 45 points and the Miami Heat extended their road winning streak to 10 games with a 125-119 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Rockets rally as Wizards fall to 0-15 on the road

Kevin Martin scored 20 points, Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks each added 15 and the Houston Rockets won their fifth straight game, beating the Washington Wizards 100-93 on Monday. Luis Scola had 14 points and Jordan Hill added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Rockets, who've won eight consecutive home games heading into Wednesday's showdown against Miami.

Rockets considering trading injured Yao
The Houston Rockets are considering trading center and seven-time NBA All-Star Yao Ming, sources said Monday.

Rockets hold off Griffin, Clips; win 4th straight

Kevin Martin scored 28 points, including four free throws in the final 16 seconds, and the Houston Rockets nearly blew an 18-point lead in the second half to the stubborn Los Angeles Clippers before beating them 97-92 for their fourth straight victory.

Banged-up Clippers sign F Diogu (AP)
The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Ike Diogu to bolster their injury-depleted frontcourt. The Clippers signed the former first-round draft pick on Wednesday, hours before their home game against Houston. Chris Kaman, Craig Smith and Brian Cook all are out of the Clippers' lineup with injuries.

Rockets overcome Ellis' 44 in win (AP)

Shane Battier called his teammates together before this road trip for what he considered a necessary pep talk. Whether it helped or not, something is suddenly clicking for the Houston Rockets -- even with Yao Ming out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Kevin Martin made a tying basket and a go-ahead 3-pointer in crunch time on the way to 30 points, and the Rockets...

Yao Ming: Houston Rockets seeking disabled player exception

The Rockets are seeking a disabled player salary cap exception from the NBA after losing center Yao Ming for the season.

Rockets want cap relief for injured Yao
The Houston Rockets have asked the NBA for a disabled player salary cap exception in the wake of Yao Ming's season-ending ankle injury.

Rockets seek cap exception with Yao out (AP)
The Houston Rockets have asked the NBA for a disabled player salary cap exception in the wake of Yao Ming's season-ending ankle injury. Yao has been out since Nov. 10 with a stress fracture in his left ankle. The seven-time All-Star, who missed all of last season following reconstructive foot surgery, appeared in only five games this year before getting hurt again.

Rockets hand Kings fifth straight loss (AP)

Kevin Martin made himself right at home in Arco Arena. The former Sacramento forward traded 10 months ago scored 22 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 102-93 Sunday night. "I love coming back to Sacramento and playing before fans who supported me for so many years," Martin said.

Martin, Scola lead Rockets to rare road victory

Kevin Martin scored 22 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 102-93 Sunday night.

Martin helps surging Rockets top Kings
Kevin Martin scored 22 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 102-93 Sunday night.

Grizzlies star Rudy Gay suspended for flagrant foul

Memphis Grizzlies star Rudy Gay has been suspended one game without pay after a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter of a game against Houston.

Grizzlies' Gay suspended 1 game for foul (AP)
Grizzlies star Rudy Gay has been suspended one game without pay after a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter of a game against Houston. Gay was ejected after being given a flagrant-2 foul with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter of the game Friday night. He knocked Luis Scola to the ground in the lane as Shane Battier sunk a 3-pointer.

Martin's 34 help Rockets beat Grizzlies (AP)

On the night the Rockets found out Yao Ming was lost for the season, Kevin Martin scored 34 points to lift Houston to a 103-87 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. It was a much-needed lift for the Rockets, who disclosed on Friday that their star center would miss the rest of 2010-2011 because of a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao out for season with stress fracture
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the season because of the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao Ming out for season with stress fracture in ankle

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the season because of the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao Ming out indefinitely with stress fracture in ankle

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Durant scores 32 as Thunder top Rockets (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 32 points, Thabo Sefolosha added a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets 117-105 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight win. Durant was on the bench with four fouls late in the third quarter when the Thunder scored eight straight points to take control of the game.

Nets' Williams to Rockets in 3-team deal (AP)
The Houston Rockets will acquire swingman Terrence Williams from New Jersey in a three-team trade that gives the Nets two more first-round draft picks for potential use in a Carmelo Anthony deal, a person with knowledge of the trade said Tuesday. The Nets would receive the Rockets' first-round draft pick in 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round pick in 2011 and current Lakers shooting...

Scola, Rockets roll by Evans-less Kings (AP)

Luis Scola had 23 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters, and the Houston Rockets cruised to 118-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The Rockets used a big run late in the first half to take over and outscored Sacramento 33-24 in the third quarter to put away the game. Scola was key in Houston's third-quarter dominance, scoring 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and making both...

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he's ready, awaiting clearance

Yao Ming says he's ready to return to action for the Rockets. But he's waiting for the team's medical staff to come to the same conclusion.

Sources: Los Angeles Lakers' Sasha Vujacic to New Jersey Nets in 3-team deal

The New Jersey Nets have traded Terrence Williams to the Houston Rockets in a three-way deal that will land them Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic and a pair of first-round draft picks, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

Martin's season-high 40 points help Rockets roll

Kevin Martin scored 32 of his season-high 40 points in the first half, Luis Scola added 14 points and 14 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-95 on Saturday night.

Martin's 40 lift Rockets by reeling Cavs (AP)

Bogut's 24 points, 22 boards lift Bucks (AP)

Andrew Bogut had 24 points, 22 rebounds and blocked five shots to lead the Milwaukee Bucks over the Houston Rockets, 97-91 on Friday night to finish their homestand 3-1. It was Bogut's fourth 20-20 performance of his career and his best rebounding effort since dislocating his right elbow, breaking his hand and wrist in an eye-averting fall last April.

Rockets have no answer for Bogut in Bucks' win

Andrew Bogut had 24 points, 22 rebounds and blocked five shots to lead the Milwaukee Bucks over the Houston Rockets, 97-91 on Friday night to finish their homestand 3-1.

Scola, Rockets ruin McGrady's return (AP)

The Houston Rockets have been working on playing better in the fourth quarter. The effort appears to be paying off. Luis Scola had 35 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday night to lead the Rockets to a 97-83 win over the Detroit Pistons, ruining Tracy McGrady's return to Houston. McGrady hit a 3-pointer with about eight minutes left to get the Pistons within one, but Houston scored the next seven...

Scola's monster night helps Rockets roll Pistons

Luis Scola had 35 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday night to lead the Rockets to a 97-83 win over the Detroit Pistons, ruining Tracy McGrady's return to Houston.

Rose scores 30 points, Bulls top Rockets in OT

Derrick Rose scored 30 points and hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation to send the game into overtime, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Houston Rockets 119-116 on Saturday night. Rose scored five points in the overtime, including his fourth 3-pointer of the game. But he missed a fadeaway with 25.4 seconds remaining and Chicago up 118-116.

Rose leads Bulls past Rockets in OT
Derrick Rose scored 30 points and hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation to send the game into overtime, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Houston Rockets 119-116 on Saturday night.

Lowry's career night lifts Rockets (AP)

Kyle Lowry scored a career-high 28 points and matched his career best with 12 assists in the Houston Rockets' 127-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Kevin Martin also had 28 points, while Brad Miller contributed a season-high 23 points in Houston's sixth straight win over Memphis.

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol 'overworked,' resting hamstring

The Lakers went back to work Thursday after the Houston Rockets boosted L.A.'s losing streak to the first four-game slide for the team since April 2007.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets targets Tuesday return from ankle injury

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming plans to return next week after missing nearly a month with a sprained ankle.

Battier, Rockets hand Lakers 4th straight loss

Kevin Martin scored 22 points and Shane Battier added 11 of his 17 in the final three minutes to lift the Houston Rockets to a 109-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The loss is the fourth in a row for the Lakers, who were led by Kobe Bryant's 27 points. The Lakers led by three before Battier made consecutive 3-pointers to put Houston on top 100-97 with about 2 1/2...

Rockets hand Lakers fourth straight loss
Kevin Martin scored 22 points and Shane Battier added 11 of his 17 in the final three minutes to lift the Houston Rockets to a 109-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Lakers try to snap losing streak in Houston

Mavs beat Rockets for sixth straight win (AP)

Caron Butler scored 13 of his 19 points during a decisive third-quarter run, Dirk Nowitzki had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stretched their winning streak to six games with a 101-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Shawn Marion added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and J.J Barea scored 11 for Dallas.

Hot-shooting Rockets fend off late Thunder rally

Kevin Martin scored 23 points, Shane Battier hit 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range and the Houston Rockets held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-98 Sunday night.

Thunder drop 11th straight at Houston (AP)

The Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder at their own game. Kevin Martin scored 23 points, Shane Battier hit 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range and the Rockets held off a late surge from the Thunder for a 99-98 victory Sunday night. The Rockets have been blowing fourth quarter leads this season and the Thunder have been pulling out games in the closing minutes.

Martin, Battier help Rockets top Thunder
Kevin Martin scored 23 points, Shane Battier hit 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range and the Houston Rockets held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-98 Sunday night.

Diaw, Bobcats add to struggling Rockets' woes

Boris Diaw had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Gerald Wallace overcame a poor shooting night to add 21 points and 14 boards, and the Charlotte Bobcats beat the slumping Houston Rockets 99-89 on Friday night to snap a two-game losing streak.

Suns rip Rockets, welcome Nash back to lineup

Steve Nash had 24 points and nine assists to help the Phoenix Suns snap a three-game losing streak with a 123-116 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.

Nash returns, helps Suns end 3-game skid (AP)

Steve Nash had 24 points and nine assists to help the Phoenix Suns snap a three-game losing streak with a 123-116 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Nash played 37 minutes, showing no lingering effects from the groin injury that sidelined him for the Suns' previous two games. Jason Richardson scored 26 points and Grant Hill added 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the...

Jackson has Bobcats' first triple-double (AP)

Stephen Jackson had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the first triple-double in franchise history for the Charlotte Bobcats, who took advantage of Steve Nash's absence to beat the listless Phoenix Suns 123-105 on Saturday night. It was the second career triple-double for Jackson, whose first also came against the Suns when he was with Golden State in the 2008-09 season.

Raptors get first back-to-back wins (AP)

Andrea Bargnani scored 26 points, Linas Kleiza had 17 and the Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 106-96 Friday night to win consecutive games for the first time this season. DeMar DeRozan added 15 points, Sonny Weems had 13 and Amir Johnson had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors. Jose Calderon had 10 points and seven assists, Jarrett Jack had eight assists and Reggie Evans had nine...

Durant out vs. Celtics with sore ankle (AP)

Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant will miss Friday night's game against Boston because of a sore left ankle. Durant had been a game-time decision, but a Thunder spokesman said about an hour before tipoff that Durant would not play. Durant took a couple of hard falls in Wednesday night's game against Houston, but did not leave that game.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban not interested in buying Houston Astros

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is not interested in buying the Houston Astros.

Yao to miss at least two more weeks
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is expected to miss at least two more weeks due to a bone bruise in his left ankle.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming expected to miss at least two more weeks

Yao Ming is expected to miss at least two more weeks because of a bone bruise in his left ankle.

Durant, Westbrook power Thunder to rout (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 24 points in only three quarters, Russell Westbrook had 21 points and 12 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets 116-99 on Wednesday night for their most lopsided win this season. Durant came in playing elevated minutes due to Jeff Green's absence from the lineup with a sprained left ankle and a series of close games for the Thunder.

Chicago Bulls guard Kyle Korver is a game-time decision

Chicago Bulls guard Kyle Korver will be a game-time decision against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night as he recovers from a sore right knee.

Rose's 17 in 4th lift Bulls by Rockets (AP)

Derrick Rose scored 17 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and the Chicago Bulls opened their seven-game road trip with a 95-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Rose also had seven assists, and Luol Deng added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls, who won their fourth straight overall and earned their first victory in three road games this season.

Rockets gaining momentum after kicking Knicks

Kevin Martin scored 28 points, Luis Scola added 24, and the Houston Rockets climbed a little further out of the hole they dug to start the season by beating the struggling New York Knicks 104-96 on Sunday night

Rockets hand Knicks fifth straight loss (AP)

Luis Scola of Houston Rockets says he'd play next summer even with lockout

Luis Scola says he wants to play for Argentina in next summer's FIBA Americas championship even if there is a lockout.

Scola wants to play even with lockout (AP)

Luis Scola says he wants to play for Argentina in next summer's FIBA Americas championship even if there is a lockout. Scola says playing international tournaments is a great way to stay in shape, so he sees "no reason" not to and would get insurance and play -- a risk many players might not take if the NBA is closed for business by a work stoppage.

Miller, Scola lift Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Brad Miller and Luis Scola made up for the absence of Yao Ming, and the Houston Rockets held off the Indiana Pacers for a 102-99 victory Friday night. Miller had 23 points and eight rebounds, while Scola added 16 points in the Rockets' first game since losing Yao for a least a week with a sprained ankle.

Wizards' Wall gets first triple-double (AP)
With Magic Johnson watching, Wizards rookie John Wall put on some showtime of his own. He got his first professional triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 98-91 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Johnson's 138 triple-doubles were second only to Oscar Robertson in NBA history.

Wizards' Wall gets first triple-double (AP)

Rookie John Wall got his first professional triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 98-91 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Yao Ming missed most of the game after he strained a tendon in his leg in the first quarter. Washington used a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away after blowing an 11-point lead.

Yao goes down before Wizards top Rockets
Rookie John Wall got his first professional triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 98-91 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Houston Rockets' Yao Mind leaves game with strained tendon in left leg

Yao Ming left Wednesday's game with the Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg.

Yao leaves game with left leg injury (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming left Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg. The team said his return is questionable. Yao played the opening 6:14 of the game and did not return for the remainder of the first half. He did not score and grabbed one rebound.

Yao leaves Rockets game with leg injury
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming left Wednesday's game with the Washington Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg. The team said his return is questionable.

Report: Yao may earn more minutes
The Houston Rockets medical staff, encouraged by Yao Ming's progression after foot surgery, are looking into giving the Chinese superstar more minutes and allowing him to play in back-to-back games, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday.

Even with Yao, Rockets struggling early (AP)
The Houston Rockets have an identity crisis. The Rockets are off to a 1-5 start, and coach Rick Adelman is still searching for the best way to maximize Yao Ming's doctor-mandated limit of 24 minutes on the court. Making matters worse, Houston already is coping with injuries to point guards Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry.

Spurs drop Rockets to 0-5 with OT win (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs caught a break when the winless Houston Rockets decided to rest Yao Ming. Then the Rockets (0-5), the only NBA team without a victory this season, gave the Spurs a few more. Houston lost starters Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin to left ankle sprains, then missed three 3-pointers in the frantic final seconds to let the Spurs escape with a 124-121 overtime victory Saturday night.

Rockets earn first win, top Wolves (AP)

Luis Scola scored 24 points and Kevin Martin added 21 to help the Houston Rockets win their first game of the season with a 120-94 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Yao Ming, playing under a strict time limit while recovering from foot surgery, had 13 points and four rebounds in 16 minutes.

Parker's double-double sparks Spurs in overtime

Tony Parker had 21 points and 14 assists, including seven points in overtime, and the San Antonio Spurs kept the Houston Rockets winless with a 124-121 victory Saturday night.

Spurs drop Rockets to 0-5 with OT win (AP)
Tony Parker had 21 points and 14 assists, including seven points in overtime, and the San Antonio Spurs kept the Houston Rockets winless with a 124-121 victory Saturday night. The only NBA team without a victory this season, the Rockets (0-5) are off to their worst start since 1999. They might have more troubles ahead, too, after point guard Aaron Brooks was carried off the court at halftime with...

Winless Rockets sit Yao against Spurs
The winless Houston Rockets will not play Yao Ming against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.

Winless Rockets sit Yao Ming against Spurs

The winless Houston Rockets will not play Yao Ming against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.

Hornets go to 4-0, keep Rockets winless (AP)

New Orleans coach Monty Williams wanted to make sure his team didn't underestimate the struggling Houston Rockets. So the first-year coach repeatedly asked his players how they would feel if they didn't have a win this season. The team used that mindset to remain unbeaten as Chris Paul scored 25 points, Marco Belinelli added 18 and the Hornets beat the winless Rockets 107-99 on Wednesday...

Hornets top Rockets, remain undefeated
New Orleans coach Monty Williams wanted to make sure his team didn't underestimate the struggling Houston Rockets.

Hornets go to 4-0, keep Rockets winless (AP)
Chris Paul scored 25 points, Marco Belinelli added 18 and the New Orleans Hornets beat the winless Houston Rockets 107-99 on Wednesday night to remain unbeaten. The Hornets have won all four games this season to match the best start in franchise history. Houston dropped to 0-4. The game was tied in the fourth quarter before New Orleans scored four quick points to take a 95-91 lead.

Harrington, Nuggets spoil Rockets' home opener

Al Harrington scored 28 points, Carmelo Anthony added 24 and the Denver Nuggets beat Houston 107-94 in the Rockets' home opener on Saturday night.

Nuggets drop Rockets to 0-3, win 107-94 (AP)

Al Harrington scored 28 points, Carmelo Anthony added 24 and the Denver Nuggets beat Houston 107-94 in the Rockets' home opener on Saturday night. Chauncey Billups scored 13 points, Nene had 12 points and 12 rebounds and the Nuggets won in Houston for only the fifth time in the last 18 games there.

Rockets sign C Dampier to 1-year deal (AP)
A person familiar with the negotiations says Erick Dampier has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement has been made. The agreement first was reported by The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV. The 6-foot-11 Dampier, who will enter his 15th season, played the last six years with Dallas.

Sources: Erick Dampier has signed with Houston Rockets

Erick Dampier has signed with the Houston Rockets, according to sources.

Ellis' 46 help Smart win Warriors' debut (AP)

Monta Ellis matched his career high with 46 points, Stephen Curry added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Golden State Warriors won Keith Smart's coaching debut by beating the Houston Rockets 131-128 on Wednesday night. David Lee had 17 points and 15 rebounds, and Dorell Wright scored 15 points to help the Warriors to their first season-opening win since 2005.

Red-hot Ellis tallies 46 points in Warriors' win

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, newcomer Steve Blake hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened defense of their back-to-back NBA titles with a 112-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Pau Gasol had 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who hung the golden banner celebrating their 16th NBA championship and handed out their impossibly...

Kobe, Lakers hold off Rockets at home
Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, newcomer Steve Blake hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.8 seconds left, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened defense of their back-to-back NBA titles with a 112-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Kobe, Lakers open title defense with close win

Shawn Marion tipped in the winning basket as time expired to give the Dallas Mavericks a 97-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night in the preseason finale for both teams. The Mavericks were given a final chance after Houston's Courtney Lee turned the ball over with 0.4 seconds left. Jason Kidd lobbed a pass to Marion for the basket.

Flu symptons forces Rockets coach Rick Adelman to miss game

Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman missed his team's final preseason game on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks with flulike symptoms.

Blair, Spurs defeat Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decided this week that DeJuan Blair would start in the season opener. On Thursday night, the 21-year-old big man showed exactly why. Blair scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and also had eight rebounds in San Antonio's 111-103 preseason victory over the Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets.

Rockets' season to hinge on Yao's health (AP)
Yao Ming was last seen in an NBA game that counted back in May 2009, limping off the floor in the playoffs and unaware at the time that the injury would force him to miss the following season. Houston has a new look now, younger and deeper than the squad that pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the second round of that postseason.

Yao holds court as Rockets beat Nets in China

With a home crowd chanting his name, Yao Ming looked sharp as he tested his surgically repaired foot Saturday in helping the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 95-85 in a preseason game.

Yao scores 10 during win in China
Kevin Martin scored 16 points and Yao Ming added 10 in front of the home crowd Saturday to help the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 95-85 in a preseason game.

Cleveland Cavaliers' radio announcer Joe Tait released from hospital

Longtime Cavaliers' radio play-by-play announcer Joe Tait has returned home after being hospitalized with pneumonia in Houston.

Yao plays 19 minutes in game in Beijing (AP)
Yao Ming played only 19 minutes while easing back from foot surgery, scoring nine points and delighting his home fans as the Houston Rockets defeated the New Jersey Nets 91-81 in a preseason game Wednesday. Yao was naturally the center of attention for the noisy, sellout crowd of 17,000 at Wukesong Arena -- the Beijing Olympics basketball venue -- even though he played sparingly and finished with...

Yao center of attention in Rockets' win in Beijing

Yao Ming played only 19 minutes while easing back from foot surgery, scoring nine points and delighting his home fans while helping the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 91-81 in a preseason game Wednesday. Yao was naturally the center of attention for the noisy, sellout crowd of 17,000 at Wukesong Arena -- the Beijing Olympics basketball venue -- even though he played sparingly and...

Cleveland Cavaliers announcer Joe Tait hospitalized

Longtime Cavaliers radio play-by-play announcer Joe Tait remains hospitalized in Houston with pneumonia.

Hall of Fame announcer Tait hospitalized (AP)
Longtime Cavaliers radio play-by-play announcer Joe Tait remains hospitalized in Houston with pneumonia. The team said Tait, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year, experienced discomfort and chest pains during and after Cleveland's game at Houston on Sunday night. He was transported to The Methodist Hospital, where he was kept overnight for observation and testing.

Eyenga's late 3-pointers rally Cavs past Rockets

J.J. Hickson had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Christian Eyenga hit two late 3-point baskets and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the fourth quarter for a 99-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.

Hickson helps Cavaliers rally by Rockets (AP)

Yao scores 10 in 12 minutes, Rockets win (AP)

Luis Scola scored 23 points, Aaron Brooks added nine of his 17 in Houston's big third quarter, and the Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 126-92 on Saturday night. The Rockets broke from a 57-54 halftime lead with an 18-8 run led by Brooks and Kevin Martin. Houston outscored the Pacers 33-15 in the third quarter and Indiana didn't score in the final 2:34 of the period.

Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry bruises bone in right knee

Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry will miss two preseason games after an MRI exam showed that he has a bone bruise in his right knee.

Rockets' Lowry to miss 2 preseason games (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry will miss two preseason games after an MRI exam showed that he has a bone bruise in his right knee. The 6-foot Lowry said Friday that he will sit out Houston's games this weekend, but will travel with the team when it leaves Sunday for a weeklong tour of China that includes two games against New Jersey.

Yao still shaking off rust as Rockets drop Spurs

Kevin Martin scored 21 points, backup center Jordan Hill added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat San Antonio 90-87 on Thursday night in the Spurs' preseason opener.

Spurs top Rockets in preseason opener (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 21 points, backup center Jordan Hill added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat San Antonio 90-87 on Thursday night in the Spurs' preseason opener. Yao Ming scored five points on a 2-for-8 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots in 13 minutes. The Rockets are strictly limiting Yao's playing time as he comes back from foot surgery that sidelined him last...

Rockets' Yao plays 12 minutes in return (AP)
Orlando's star center was as good as ever. It's too soon to tell how Houston's will be after an extended absence. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds, Vince Carter added 14 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Houston Rockets 97-88 in their preseason opener on Tuesday night in a game where Yao Ming played just 12 minutes Yao played eight minutes in the first quarter and four in...

Yao Ming not sure what to expect in return to Houston Rockets

Yao Ming said Friday that he's still not sure what to expect from himself this season after foot surgery in July 2009 sidelined him all of last year.

Yao not sure what to expect from himself (AP)
All-star center Yao Ming said Friday that he's still not sure what to expect from himself this season after foot surgery in July 2009 sidelined him all of last year. "After one year away, I keep telling myself, 'Be patient, be patient,"' Yao said, the day before the Houston Rockets open training camp.

Mavericks sign former Clippers F Novak (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks have signed free-agent forward Steve Novak. Terms of the deal announced Thursday weren't released. The 6-foot-10 Novak spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. He also played two seasons for the Houston Rockets after they drafted him in the second round in 2006.

Yao Ming will play no more than 24 minutes a game to reduce bone stress

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will not play more than 24 minutes a game next season in an attempt to limit stress on his bones, Rockets vice president and athletic trainer Keith Jones told the Houston Chronicle.

Scola, Argentina win consolation game (AP)
Luis Scola scored 27 points, Carlos Delfino added 26 and Argentina pulled away late for a 73-61 win over Russia in a consolation game at the world championship. Argentina led 58-56 with 6:11 left before Delfino and Scola combined for 13 points during a 15-5 run that sealed the win. Delfino plays for the Milwaukee Bucks and Scola is on the Houston Rockets.

Scola, Argentina beat Brazil at worlds
Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets scored 37 points, carrying Argentina to a 93-89 victory over Brazil on Tuesday and into the quarterfinals of the world championships.

Scola has 37 to get Argentina by Brazil (AP)
Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets scored 37 points, carrying Argentina to a 93-89 victory over Brazil on Tuesday and into the quarterfinals of the world championships. Argentina will next play Lithuania on Thursday. Scola, the tournament's leading scorer, had 10 of Argentina's final 12 points.

Greece beats Yao-less China at worlds (AP)
Nikolaos Zisis and Ioannis Bourousis both scored 21 points to lead Greece to an 89-81 victory over China in the opening Group C game at the world basketball championship on Saturday. Greece (1-0) led 47-37 at halftime, but China, playing without Houston Rockets center Yao Ming who is recovering from surgery on his left foot, got within 81-79 before Greece retook control in the final minutes.

Delfino, Scola lead Argentina by Germany (AP)
Carlos Delfino made three free throws in the last 10 seconds to secure Argentina's 78-74 victory over Germany in the opening game for both teams at the basketball world championship. Delfino, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, finished with 27 points and Luis Scola, who plays for the Houston Rockets, added 20.

Doctors clear Yao Ming for basketball activities

Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is confident that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season after a team doctor said his surgically repaired foot has fully healed.

Yao cleared for basketball activities
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is confident that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season after a team doctor said his surgically repaired foot has fully healed.

Rockets sign undrafted rookie Ishmael Smith - Ishmael Smith (G) Houston Rockets
The Rockets have signed undrafted Wake Forest guard Ishmael Smith to a multi-year deal.

Pacers get Collison, Posey in 4-way deal (AP)
The Indiana Pacers have acquired point guard Darren Collison and forward James Posey from New Orleans in a four-way trade that also includes New Jersey and Houston. The Pacers also announced Wednesday they have dealt Troy Murphy to the Nets, who sent guard Courtney Lee to Houston. To complete the trade, the Rockets shipped swingman Trevor Ariza to New Orleans.

Collison headed to Pacers in 4-team trade
The Indiana Pacers have acquired point guard Darren Collison and forward James Posey from New Orleans in a four-way trade that also includes New Jersey and Houston.

Houston Rockets to play two games against New Jersey Nets in China

The Houston Rockets will play two preseason games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country.

Yao, Rockets to play Nets in China (AP)
The Houston Rockets will play two exhibition games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country. The NBA announced Wednesday that the teams would play Oct. 13 in Beijing at the Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, then Oct. 16 at the new Guangzhou International Sports Arena.

Yao, Rockets to play China exhibitions
The Houston Rockets will play two exhibition games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country.

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.

Rockets' Martin out with sore shoulder (AP)
Houston's Kevin Martin was set to miss the Rockets' game with the Los Angeles Clippers because of a sore left shoulder. Martin, who is listed day to day, has averaged almost 22 points and 3.3 rebounds in the 17 games since he was traded to the Rockets. The 6-foot-7 player was acquired from Sacramento in the three-team deal that sent Tracy McGrady to the Knicks on Feb.

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.

Pierce helps Celtics outlast Rockets (AP)
No matter where Aaron Brooks ran Friday night, Rajon Rondo seemed to follow him. And when Houston's speedy point guard found space, another Boston Celtic seemed to step in front of him. Paul Pierce scored 26 points, Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and had 19 points, and the Celtics snapped Houston's four-game winning streak with a 94-87 victory.

Big 3 help Celtics end Rockets' win streak at 4

Paul Pierce scored 26 points, Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and had 19 points, and the Boston Celtics snapped Houston's four-game winning streak with a 94-87 victory over the Rockets on Friday night.

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.

Week 12 Fantasy Basketball Planner
Can owners count on Denver's Carmelo Anthony in Fantasy Week 12? Why aren't more owners starting Houston's Carl Landry? Our Sergio Gonzalez answers those questions and more in his latest Fantasy Planner.

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.

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)<

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