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Feb 16, 2010 - 4:29 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Utah (32-19) at Houston (27-24), 8:30 p.m. EDT

Deron Williams was impressive as the Utah Jazz's representative at the All-Star game. He almost had to team up with Tracy McGrady, though the disgruntled Houston Rockets veteran hardly had the qualifications to be there.

Williams and the Jazz open a four-game trip following the break, starting with a matchup in Houston on Tuesday night to face a Rockets team that may be close to finally trading McGrady.

Williams was one of the Western Conference's top contributors in Sunday's All-Star game, posting 14 points and six assists in a 141-139 loss to the East.

McGrady, who has played only six games for Houston (27-24) and is on an indefinite leave from team activities, was nearly voted onto the All-Star team before Phoenix's Steve Nash and New Orleans' Chris Paul both moved ahead of him in the final days of voting.

The Rockets have gotten little contribution from McGrady this season. His fallout with the team began when he was unhappy with his playing time as he tried to come back from offseason knee surgery.

With Friday's trade deadline approaching, Houston may be close to ridding itself of McGrady. New York has been reported to be his most probable destination.

Without him, the Rockets are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

Utah (32-19), meanwhile, has won 13 of 15, climbing into third place in the West. The Jazz had a nine-game winning streak snapped in their last contest, losing 96-81 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

It was Utah's first defeat since losing 119-112 at Denver on Jan. 17. The Jazz are now opening a four-game stretch on the road, where they have won three straight.

Utah is averaging 108.6 points in winning four of five games away from EnergySolutions Arena.

Williams has been an integral part of the Jazz's offense, averaging 18.6 points and 9.8 assists. He had 11 points, 10 assists and was one rebound short of a triple-double versus the Lakers.

Williams will be matched up with Aaron Brooks, Houston's top scoring threat. Brooks averaged 26.0 points in six games prior to being held to 10 on 3-of-16 shooting in a 99-66 loss to Miami last Tuesday night.

The Rockets matched their lowest-scoring output in franchise history. They have been held to 66 points in three previous contests.

Houston has lost six of nine at home and 11 of 18 overall.

"We have to get our mindset right for the last 31 games," coach Rick Adelman told the Rockets' official Web site.

Houston shot a season-low 30.2 percent against Miami after falling apart in the second half of its previous game, a 102-95 loss to Philadelphia on Feb. 6.

"In this league, once you become passive, it's game, set and match," Rockets forward Shane Battier said.

Houston may have Trevor Ariza back in the lineup after a one-game absence to a due to a hip injury. The sixth-year swingman is averaging a career-high 15.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Ariza had 15 points against Utah on Nov. 2, and Houston had seven other players reach double figures in a 113-96 win. The Rockets had lost two straight and six of nine in the series.