Rockets F Artest out Friday vs. Hornets

Dec 27, 2008 - 1:16 AM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest is not with the team Friday night as it gets set to take on the New Orleans Hornets.

The 29-year-old veteran has been bothered by a sore right ankle since November 16, when he sprained it at practice. It has been nagging ever since, forcing him to sit two weeks ago for a back-to-back on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors.

He has played in all five games since then, but did not make the trip to New Orleans. According to The Houston Chronicle, he is also questionable for Saturday's home meeting against the Utah Jazz.

Artest is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals this season.