Both teams will be without their starting centers when the Wolves finish this quick Texas two-step trip tonight in Houston.

Wolves center Nikola Pekovic remains out -- for the third consecutive game -- because of that hurting right ankle that has bothered him since late January.

Rockets star Dwight Howard will miss his second consecutive game because of an ankle as well.

He had part of a cyst removed and fluid drained from his on Wednesday.

Rick Adelman was asked before tonight's game if Pek for DH-12 is a fair swap.

"I don't know about Dwight," he said. "I know Pek hurts us. I'm sure he hurts them, too."

Gorgui Dieng will start again for the Wolves and Omer Asik will start for Howard.