Rockets G McGrady, F Artest out vs. Knicks

Jan 11, 2009 - 1:59 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets will once again be without two of their key cogs on Saturday night as they take on the New York Knicks.

All-Star guard Tracy McGrady (knee) and forward Ron Artest (ankle) are both inactive.

Not that it's anything new to the Rockets. McGrady has been hobbled by a sore left knee all season after undergoing surgery on it this offseason. He missed seven straight games earlier this season and has typically decided to sit out one game of all back-to-back sets.

Houston defeated Oklahoma City, 98-96, on Friday night behind McGrady's 26-point effort.

Artest is out for the fourth time in his last five games because of a lingering ankle sprain that he has been trying to fight through for several weeks.