Houston Rockets Team Report - February 2

(Basketball News) - The Houston Rockets face the Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at the Wachovia Center.

The Rockets have dominated this series as of late, winning five straight and seven of the last eight meetings. The Rockets have recorded wins in 20 of their last 24 meetings with Philadelphia, including winning nine of 11 in the City of Brotherly Love.

Houston put an end to a two-game losing streak on Monday night, as it registered a 97-94 victory over Boston at the FleetCenter. Yao Ming posted 23 points and eight rebounds and Jon Barry scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, as the Rockets went on to the victory. Barry made 7-of-8 shots, including 3-of-4 from three-point range.

Tracy McGrady added 16 points for the Rockets, who won for the fifth time in seven games. Bob Sura collected 10 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in the victory, while David Wesley netted 10 points.

The Rockets hit 46.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 (.421) from three-point range. Houston drained 21-of-26 (.808) from the free throw line. The Rockets outrebounded the Celtics, 39-32, in the winning effort.

Houston has won seven of its last 10 road games to improve to 11-11 in foreign buildings this season. The Rockets are 1-1 on their current four-game road trip.

Yao has scored in double-digits in eight straight games and has netted 20 or more in six of those contests. He is averaging 18.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds this season.

McGrady scored less than 27 points on Monday for the first time in his last nine games. He is averaging 27.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in his last 10 games. The four-time All-Star has logged 40 or more minutes in 14 straight contests.

The Rockets closeout a four-game road trip on Friday, as they pay a visit to Minnesota to take on Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves. Houston is 0-1 against Minnesota this season. The teams will play for the last time in the 2004-05 campaign on March 20th at the Target Center.

Houston will host the Los Angels Lakers on Sunday at the Toyota Center. The Rockets are 0-2 against the Lakers this season.