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McGrady expected to play when Rockets host Nuggets

Jan 20, 2007 - 4:33 PM Denver (19-17) at Houston (25-15) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Tracy McGrady may return Saturday when the Houston Rockets host the Denver Nuggets.

Averaging 22.8 points and 6.3 assists this season, McGrady was scratched from Wednesday's 100-91 loss to the Phoenix Suns with a sore lower back. He was limited to just 47 games in 2005-2006 with back troubles.

The Rockets are already playing without Yao Ming, who is out with a fractured right leg.

Houston shot just 39 percent (35-of-89) from the floor and was outrebounded, 47-39, against Phoenix. Rafer Alston scored 29 points and Luther Head and Shane Battier added 16 each for the Rockets.

Denver is playing its final game before league-leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (31.6) returns from his 15-game suspension for his part in a brawl with the New York Knicks on December 16.

The Nuggets raised their record to 6-8 since the suspension with Friday's 110-99 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Marcus Camby scored 26 points and grabbed 17 rebounds and Allen Iverson added 25 points with nine assists for Denver.

Houston has won the last three meetings against Denver, including last Friday's 90-86 victory, and is 13-4 at home overall this season.