Without McGrady it could be over for the Rockets

All-Star forward Tracy McGrady is sidelined with a back injury. McGrady left last Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers early in the third quarter with back pain and did not return.

McGrady could be sidelined for up to five weeks because of the back injury. The 6-8 McGrady is averaging a team-best 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

On Monday, the New Jersey Nets play the finale of a three-game road trip, as they visit the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. It is the second meeting of the season between the clubs. On November 12th, McGrady scored a game-high 35 points, including 30 in the second half, as the Rockets knocked off the Nets, 99-91, at Continental Airlines Arena.

Houston tries to get back on the winning track as it plays the opener of a four-game homestand against New Jersey. On Sunday, Tim Duncan ended with 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs over the Rockets, 88-81, at the AT&T Center.

Yao Ming had 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in the loss to San Antonio for the Rockets, who had a four-game winning streak halted. Rafer Alston ended with 15 points for Houston, which scored just 11 third-quarter points.

The Rockets are just 13-18 at the host this season. They will also play Dallas, San Antonio and the Clippers on the current stand. Houston has won three in a row at the Toyota Center.

Houston owns a 29-34 record and sits in the cellar in the Southwest Division. The Rockets are three games behind Sacramento for the eighth and final playoff berth in the West. They are scheduled to play 10 of their final 19 games this season at the Toyota Center.