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Yao, hot Rockets face lowly Timberwolves

Jan 11, 2008 - 2:16 PM Minnesota (5-29) at Houston (19-17) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The return of All-Star Tracy McGrady could be icing on the cake for Yao Ming and the red-hot Houston Rockets.

Yao and the Rockets seek their fifth straight win when they host the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Houston defeated New York, 101-92, on Wednesday for its season-best fourth consecutive victory.

Yao scored a season-high 36 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added two blocks for the Rockets, who will likely see the return of McGrady when they open a five-game homestand Friday.

McGrady has missed eight games due to strained tendons, tendinitis and a bone bruise in his left knee.

"I'd love to see him come back on Friday, but it's really going to be up to the medical people and Tracy as far as how he works out, how he feels before we get him back on the floor," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said.

The Rockets have not really missed the seven-time All-Star, going 6-2 in his absence.

Minnesota earned just its fifth win of the season, beating Miami, 101-91, on Tuesday.

Rashad McCants scored 27 points and Al Jefferson had his fifth straight double-double with 18 and 10 boards.

The Timberwolves, who have not won consecutive games this season, will try to stop a two-game losing streak to the Rockets.