After a lackluster game, the Houston Rockets insist their fire has returned. They'd also like to get two of their best players back.
With the status of Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest uncertain, the Rockets look to avoid losing five straight road games for the first time in more than four years when they face the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
Houston (21-14) was without McGrady (knee) and Artest (ankle) in a 103-100 loss to Atlanta on Saturday night, as Hawks guard Mike Bibby made a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining. Despite the result, the Rockets felt their effort was much better than the one put forth in a 94-73 defeat to Toronto the previous evening.
McGrady and Artest played Friday and had poor games in the lopsided loss, but Houston still needs its stars back. The status of both players is day-to-day, and their minutes would likely be limited even if they do play Tuesday with Houston getting set for back-to-back contests.
The Rockets, who haven't lost five in a row on the road since Nov. 23-Dec. 28, 2004, face Boston on Wednesday night in the fourth game of a five-game trip.
The Rockets' bench would be weak again Tuesday if Artest, their top reserve, can't go. If McGrady also sits out again, sub Brent Barry would likely make his second straight start.
Regardless of the duo's availability, Houston will try to build on what was a more inspired performance Saturday. The Rockets reached 100 points for the first time in their last six regulation games, a day after shooting a season-low 34.1 percent and committing 22 turnovers versus the Raptors.
"We still have a lot of work to do, but if we play this way you're going somewhere," Rockets forward Luis Scola said following Saturday's contest. "It's easy to get better if you play hard and leave it all on the court."
Scola is coming off a 16-point, 11-rebound effort Saturday while teammate Yao Ming had 16 points and 15 boards.
Yao averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in Houston's two games against Philadelphia (13-20) last season, but the 76ers won both contests.
Philadelphia's Andre Miller averaged 21.5 points and 9.0 assists in those games. The veteran point guard had 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting against San Antonio on Saturday night, but the Sixers lost 108-106 after battling back from an early 21-point deficit.
Philadelphia finished 1-5 on its longest road trip of the season.
Miller is averaging 18.4 points in the last five games, but has committed 18 turnovers during that stretch.
Sixers swingman Andre Iguodala remains hot, scoring 25 points against the Spurs to reach the 20-point mark for the third straight game. Philadelphia, however, is 2-6 when Iguodala scores at least 20 points after going 25-18 in such games in 2007-08.
Iguodala is averaging 16.2 points after posting a career-high 19.9 last season. He's averaged 10.3 points in four career home games against Houston, which won three of those contests.
Re: [Regular Season Game 36] Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers
T-Mac better show up tonight. I don't care if he struggles with a 6/17 game, but for the love of God please give it your all. Even Head busts his *** out there during a 1/7, 4TO performance.
Re: [Regular Season Game 36] Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers
We just can't lose this game.:sparta:
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maestro: Richard Justice said that someone said you read the entire 40 page report that the Rockets do on every game. Is this true?
Shane_Battier: I try to prepare for my opponent as thoroughly as possible. I want to know every angle on the man I am guarding to give me an edge. I read many, many pages and go over strengths and weaknesses many times before a game. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. That is a motto I like.
[Regular Season Game 36] Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers
[Regular Season Game 36] Houston Rockets at Philadelphia 76ers
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