Rockets G Alston eyes Game Three return

Apr 24, 2008 - 12:05 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets may be getting a much-needed lift from Rafer Alston in Game Three against the Utah Jazz, according to the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday.

After dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series against the Jazz, the Rockets may get a boost from Alston, who said there's a "good chance" he'll return Thursday.

Alston has missed the first two games of the series due to a strained hamstring.

"I'm pushing hard," Alston told the newspaper. "I'm closer than I was two days ago. I'm doing things that I would have to do - slash, cut, being able to slide. Right now, I'm pushing for Game Three."

In his absence, the Rockets have averaged just 83.0 points in two home losses and have to visit the EnergySolutions Arena, where the Jazz are 37-4 this season.

Alston missed five of Houston's last eight games in the regular season and has not played since April 13.

"It would really help us," Rockets coach Rick Adelman told the Houston Chronicle. "It gives us more depth again. Then again, he's been sitting around for a week. How sharp is he going to be? We'll just have to take it day by day."

In his ninth season, Alston averaged 13.1 points and 5.3 assists in 74 games for the Rockets this campaign.