McGrady back in Rockets’ lineup

McGrady, who had missed the Rockets’ last two contests due to a strained right hip flexor, scored 14 points in 38 minutes. The NBA’s leading scorer in each of the past two seasons looked rusty at times, hitting just 6-of-15 shots and managing just one rebound. However, McGrady did dish out four assists and racked up four steals in a solid all-around outing.

"In the beginning of the game I was struggling a little bit," McGrady admitted. "Once I got warmed up, I felt fine."

Houston lost both matchups — each at home — in which McGrady sat out. The Rockets fell 96-91 to Minnesota on Thursday and came on the short end of a 84-79 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday.

For the year, McGrady is averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists in six games with his new club.

The Rockets acquired McGrady, along with forward Juwan Howard and guards Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines, from Orlando in June in exchange for guards Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley and forward/center Kelvin Cato.