Slumping Rockets visit Memphis

The Grizzlies play the finale of a brief two-game homestand. On Tuesday, Darius Miles scored 22 points as the Portland Trail Blazers knocked off Memphis, 95-87, at FedExForum.

Shane Battier finished with 21 points in the loss to Portland for the Grizzlies, while Pau Gasol registered a double-double with 18 points and 16 boards. Mike Miller contributed 20 points off the bench for Memphis in defeat.

Memphis is 3-2 at home this season. The Grizzlies will embark on a short two- game road trip after tonight’s game. They will visit Dallas and Toronto on the upcoming swing.

The Rockets come into tonight’s contest on a five-game losing streak. On Wednesday, Shawn Marion led six Phoenix players in double figure scoring with 19 points and also pulled down 12 rebounds, as the Suns took advantage of an absent Tracy McGrady to beat Houston, 100-88, at the Toyota Center.

Derek Anderson poured in 23 points and pulled down nine rebounds in the loss to Phoenix for the Rockets, who have lost six of their last seven overall. McGrady missed his third straight contest with a strained back and the Rockets fell to 0-6 without him in the lineup this season.

Rookie Luther Head, who started in place of McGrady for a second straight night, had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

McGrady and Rafer Alston (leg) are questionable for tonight’s game.

Houston is 2-5 on the road this season. It has lost three straight games away from home.

The Rockets return to the Toyota Center for a four-game homestand after tonight’s contest. They are scheduled to host Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis and Boston on the stand.

Houston has won three of four and four of the last six contests in this series. The Rockets have lost three of their last four at the Grizzlies.