Gameday: Wolves at Houston

Last update: March 25, 2008 - 11:43 PM

Preview: The Rockets, playing the rest of the season without Yao Ming, won 22 consecutive games -- the second-longest streak in NBA history -- then lost three of four games before beating Sacramento 108-100 at home on Monday. It was the 800th victory for Rockets coach Rick Adelman. ... The Wolves played arguably the worst first half of the season the last time they visited Toyota Center, falling behind 65-33 on Jan. 11 before losing 113-82. The Wolves led 86-85 when the teams met again at Target Center on Feb. 4, but Houston scored the game's final seven points. That was victory No. 4 in the Rockets' 22-game streak.

Players to watch: Rockets point guard Rafer Alston produced a 31-point night against the Lakers two weeks ago and a 28-point game against the Kings on Monday. ... Guard Tracy McGrady has scored 30 or more points 13 times this season, including four 40-point games, and is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds. ... Former Gophers and Wolves guard Bobby Jackson is averaging 16.6 minutes and 7.2 points in 16 games since being acquired from New Orleans. ... Former Timberwolves center Loren Woods signed a 10-day contract with the Rockets on Friday.

Injuries: Sebastian Telfair accompanied the Wolves to Houston to continue rehabilitation on his sprained ankle. ... Yao is out for the season because of foot surgery.

JERRY ZGODA