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Rockets look to exploit shorthanded Raptors

Dec 9, 2007 - 1:56 PM Houston (11-9) at Toronto (10-10) 12:30 pm EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Yao Ming tends to be a matchup nightmare for every opponent. He could even be a bigger factor against a team which could be shorthanded.

The Houston Rockets travel to the Air Canada Centre on Sunday to meet the Toronto Raptors, who may be without Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.

At 7-6, Yao, who is averaging 22.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season, is a handful for any opponent when they have a full complement of post players. His presence - along with ex-Raptor forward Tracy McGrady, who is averaging 25.3 points - has the Rockets playing some of their best basketball of late.

The duo combined for 49 points in Houston's 96-89 win at New Jersey on Friday - the team's fifth win in its last seven games.

The Raptors figure to have their hands full in keeping Yao and McGrady contained, especially if they are without a pair of 6-10 forwards in two-time All-Star Bosh, who has missed the last five games with a strained groin and 2006 No. 1 overall draft pick Bargnani, who has sat out the past three games with a hyperextended left knee.

Both players were sidelined on Friday when the Raptors were routed, 112-84, by the Boston Celtics.

Toronto has lost three of its last four games.