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Rockets look to hand Sonics record-tying 12th straight loss

Jan 23, 2008 - 3:35 PM Houston (22-19) at Seattle (9-32) 10:00 pm EST

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Seattle SuperSonics are one loss away from tying a dubious record.

The Sonics hope to avoid their 12th consecutive loss Wednesday when they host the Houston Rockets.

The Sonics have lost 11 consecutive games and currently own the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Seattle is on its longest losing streak since a franchise-record 12-game skid that bridged the 1968-69 and 1969-70 seasons.

Houston has won four consecutive games against Seattle and 10 of 11 overall.

The Rockets are looking to complete a home-and-home sweep of the Sonics after posting a 96-89 victory Monday. Yao Ming had 30 points and 17 rebounds for Houston, which has won seven of its last nine games.

Tracy McGrady, who has played a reserve role in the last two games after missing 11 contests due to a bone bruise and tendon damage in his left knee, is again expected to come off the bench.

Despite constant pain, McGrady expects to continue playing as the Rockets make a push for the playoffs.

"It's going to be that way, because I can't rest to let it heal all the way up," McGrady said. "It's something I'm going to have to tolerate."