Hawks 84 - 92 Rockets
Final
  for this game

Artest hopes to return when Rockets host Hawks

Dec 9, 2008 - 11:37 AM Atlanta (12-7) at Houston (13-8) 8:30 p.m. EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets' injury situation continues to get worse.

Ron Artest hopes to return to action Tuesday when the Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks.

Already without guard Brent Barry due to a calf injury and two-time scoring champion Tracy McGrady, who will be out until Christmas while rehabilitating his surgically repaired left knee, the Rockets were without Artest for Monday's 109-97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In his first season with the Rockets, Artest has averaged 15.7 points and 5.9 rebounds through 20 games and tried to give it a go with a sprained right ankle Monday. He dressed and came out for pregame warmups before changing into a suit just a few minutes into the game.

"It's just nagging a little bit," Artest told the Houston Chronicle before the game. "We tried to see if we can work it out, but it'll be all right. It should be better by (Tuesday).

"We just trying to not tweak anything. I should be OK."

The Rockets had a two-game win streak snapped against the Grizzlies and hope to get back on track against the Hawks, whose three-game surge came to a halt on Saturday when they endured a 100-98 setback against the Dallas Mavericks.

Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 32 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, while Mike Bibby added 21, with 14 coming in the final period.






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