Clippers host Rockets

Houston plays the first of a two-game road trip. On Sunday, Yao Ming had 24 points, eight rebounds and four blocks to lead the Rockets over the struggling New York Knicks, 90-83, at the Toyota Center.

David Wesley added 15 points in the win over New York for the Rockets, who have won two straight and six of their last seven games overall despite All- Star Tracy McGrady scoring just seven points against the Knicks. McGrady shot only 3-of-20 from the floor, but did collect seven rebounds and six assists.

The Rockets, who will visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday in their final contest before the All-Star break, are 13-14 as the visitor this season. They have won two straight on the road.

The Clippers attempt to get back on the winning track this evening. On Sunday, Jannero Pargo and Kirk Hinrich each had 17 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 97-91 win over the Clippers at the Staples Center.

Elton Brand had a game-high 29 points and 15 boards and Sam Cassell netted 18 and also had five assists in the loss to Chicago for the Clippers, who have lost two of their last three contests overall. Chris Kaman netted 13 and also grabbed nine rebounds in defeat.

LA, which will visit the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in its final game before the break, is 17-8 as the host this season. The Clippers have still won four of their last five at the Staples Center.

This is the second meeting of the season between the clubs. On December 17th, Sam Cassell led a balanced attack with 22 points and dished out eight assists, as the Clippers defeated the Rockets, 89-81, at the Staples Center. With the victory, the Clippers snapped a nine-game losing streak.

Houston has lost six of its last 10 at the Clippers.