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Rockets take court without Yao, McGrady vs. Pacers

Dec 26, 2006 - 3:49 PM Houston (16-11) at Indiana (15-14) 7:00 pm EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets were use to playing without Tracy McGrady. Now they must continue on minus Yao Ming.

The injury-riddled Rockets will try to fill the void left by their superstar duo when they pay a visit to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

Yao fractured his right tibia in the opening period during Saturday's loss against the Los Angeles Clippers and will miss at least six weeks. He was averaging a career-high 26.8 points and 9.7 rebounds this season.

"It's tough to deal with," Houston guard Rafer Alston said. "You're shocked, disappointed. (Yao's) worked so hard. He was carrying this team."

Houston was already without McGrady, who has missed seven consecutive games due to recurring back spasms. The Rockets have only won once in nine game without McGrady and Yao in the lineup.

"We all have to do a little bit more," Rockets forward Shane Battier said. "We have to be tougher, we have to be more mentally sharp and we have to not expect less of ourselves when (McGrady) and Yao are out."

Yao missed 25 games with a toe and foot injury, while McGrady missed 35 games due to back problems last season.

Jamaal Tinsley scored 22 points and Jermaine O'Neal had 11 points and 11 rebounds as the Pacers fell, 78-71, to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.