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Rockets C Yao looks to get back on track vs. Clippers

Mar 14, 2007 - 1:45 PM LA Clippers (29-34) at Houston (39-25) 8:30 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Yao Ming suffered his low point of the season the last time he faced the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday, he hopes to bounce back from another forgettable contest.

Two days after an embarrassing performance, Yao and the Rockets look to get back on track when they host the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 7-5 Yao fractured a bone under his right knee just under six minutes into Houston's 98-93 loss to Los Angeles on December 23. Playing like an All-Star prior to his injury, Yao missed the next 32 games. However, superstar Tracy McGrady picked up the slack, leading the Rockets to a 20-12 mark in Yao's absence.

On Monday, both superstars struggled in the Rockets' 103-82 loss to Phoenix. McGrady scored 19 points, but was just 8-of-28 from the field. Yao made just 1-of-9 shots and finished with 10 points.

A scoring machine, McGrady should not have any trouble revving up his offensive game against Los Angeles. He has averaged 27.7 points in his last three meetings with the Clippers.

Los Angeles has lost five straight games, including a 93-84 defeat to San Antonio on Tuesday. The skid is the Clippers' longest since they dropped a season-high six in a row from December 11-22.

The Clippers are just one-half game ahead of Golden State (30-36) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.