Rockets G-F McGrady plays but Yao sits

Nov 20, 2008 - 7:04 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest played in the team's 96-86 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday despite nagging injuries.

Swingman McGrady, forward Artest and center Yao Ming all suffered injuries during Monday's 100-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

McGrady and Artest were in the starting lineup against the Mavericks, while Yao sat out with a left foot injury.

Hobbled throughout, McGrady scored 16 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

"Right now, we stick with the limit," McGrady said of playing just 29 minutes Wednesday. "I don't know what that limit is, but however many minutes I played tonight is what it's going to be.

"I feel a little out of synch on offense, and it was really tough to get into the rhythm."

Yao left Monday's game at Oklahoma City with soreness in his left foot after collecting 19 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes.

Tests done Tuesday at a Houston hospital showed no stress fracture in the foot, but Yao was kept out of the Dallas game for precautionary reasons. He missed the final 26 games of last season with a stress fracture in his left foot.

Chuck Hayes started at center in place of Yao.

Artest classified his ankle injury as a "little sprain" and was able to take the floor against the Mavericks, collecting 14 points and 13 rebounds.