Rockets try to extend winning streak versus Indiana

Houston is No. 5 in the Western Conference playoff race, seven games ahead of the sixth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. The Pacers are tied with New Jersey for the seventh spot in the East.

The Rockets open a short two-game homestand. All-Star center Yao Ming poured in 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the Rockets demolished the Philadelphia 76ers, 124-74, on Sunday at the Wachovia Center.

Tracy McGrady poured in 21 points and handed out eight assists for the Rockets, who have won six of their last seven games overall. Luther Head scored 13 points, while Chuck Hayes netted 12 and grabbed 13 rebounds in the victory.

On the injury front for Houston, guard Bonzi Wells (sore right foot) is doubtful for tonight’s game. Wells, who is averaging 8.2 points in just 26 games this season, has missed 10 straight games.

Houston is 23-10 at home this season. The Rockets, who have won three in a row at the Toyota Center, will host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

The Pacers start a two-game road trip. On Saturday, Troy Murphy scored 22 points as Indiana ended an 11-game losing skid with a 113-90 rout of the Atlanta Hawks at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Mike Dunleavy scored 21 points in the win over Atlanta for the Pacers, while Danny Granger finished with 19 points and Ike Diogu ended with 15 points in the victory

Indiana is just 11-21 on the road this season. The Pacers are scheduled to visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at the AT&T Center.

This is the second and final meeting of the season between the clubs. On December 26th, the Pacers defeated the Rockets, 81-76, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Indiana has won three of its last five at Houston.