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Rival Jazz, Rockets face off in playoff rematch

Dec 27, 2008 - 11:33 AM Utah (18-13) at Houston (19-11), 8:30pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets renew their rivalry this weekend.

The Western Conference contenders - former division rivals and common playoff foes - duel at the Toyota Center on Saturday as the Rockets try to snap a two-game skid and Utah tries to get on track away from home.

Though they haven't yet met, the two are more than familiar with each other. They have met in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons - with Utah coming out on top both times. The Rockets - who have not advanced past the opening round since 1997 - tried to remedy the situation this summer when they brought in defensive stalwart Ron Artest to pair with All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

So far, the results have been mixed. Artest has indeed enhanced an already-stout defensive unit, but McGrady has not regained full health since undergoing knee and shoulder surgeries during the offseason. As for this showdown, Artest may not even be available. The veteran forward is nursing a sprained ankle that kept him sidelined for Friday's loss to New Orleans. He is questionable.

Of course, the Jazz have more than their share of injury concerns as well. Carlos Boozer remains out - 19 games and counting - with nagging quad and knee injuries, Paul Millsap is out at least for the next week with a sprained knee and Mehmet Okur has missed two straight with back spasms.

They made up for their absences on Friday, as Ronnie Brewer and Kosta Koufos combined for 39 points en route to a 97-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.