Rockets host fading Warriors

The Warriors are coming off a 94-81 setback to the defending NBA champion Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday evening.

Erick Dampier put up 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, and Jason Richardson scored 13 points with six boards, as Golden State lost for the fourth time in five games.

Warriors point guard Nick Van Exel was listed as a game-time decision with a bad knee, and not only played, but started. Van Exel finished with 12 points, four assists and four rebounds.

The Rockets have won two of their last three contests, including a 74-66 victory in Philadelphia on Monday.

Cuttino Mobley scored 19 points and hit four three-pointers, while Yao Ming delivered 12 points and tied a season-high with 14 rebounds to lead Houston. Jim Jackson registered 12 points in the win and Steve Francis added 11 points and 10 boards.

It was another solid performance by Houston’s stifling team defense, which ranks first in the league in points allowed (81.0 ppg) and opponent’s field goal percentage (.370).

Rockets forward Maurice Taylor has served a six-game for violating the league’s drug policy and is eligible to return for tonight’s game.

The Warriors have won two of the last three meetings in Houston, but the Rockets have taken eight of the 10 previous matchups overall.

The Rockets have dominated the series in recent memory, holding a 34-7 edge lead in the last 41 contests.

Golden State has yet to win on the road this season, posting an 0-3 record as the visitor. The Warriors have also struggled with a 1-5 mark against Western Conference opponents.

The Rockets are 4-1 at home and 2-2 within the conference.