Rockets continue strong play without Yao

The Boston Celtics nightmarish season continues on Monday, as they visit the Rockets at the Toyota Center. It is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Celtics are scheduled to host the Rockets on March 7th at TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston has lost nine of its last 14 at Houston. The teams have split the last six contests in the series.

Houston plays the first of a short two-game homestand against the Celtics. All-Star Tracy McGrady scored 34 points as the Rockets held off the Orlando Magic, 97-93, on Sunday at TD Waterhouse Centre.

Rafer Alston had 20 points in the win over Orlando for the Rockets, who have beaten the Magic in eight of the last nine meetings in the series. Luther Head scored 15 and Shane Battier tallied 14 points for Houston, which has won six of its last nine games overall.

The Rockets continue to play without All-Star center Yao Ming, who leads the Rockets in scoring (25.9 ppg) and rebounding (9.4 rpg). He suffered a non displaced fracture in a bone under his right knee during a 98-93 loss on December 23rd to the Los Angeles Clippers. Houston is 19-9 without Yao, who is expected to return in mid-to-late March.

Houston is an impressive 20-7 at home this season. The Rockets are scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. It will be the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. Toronto will host the Rockets on March 16th at Air Canada Centre.

McGrady has been excellent while Yao has been sidelined with his injury. The 6-8 McGrady is averaging 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and a team-best 6.1 assists this season. He has scored more than 30 points in three straight games and has posted 27.7 points per contest in his last 10 outings.