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Rockets hope to have McGrady in lineup vs. Warriors

Jan 31, 2009 - 11:19 AM Golden State (15-32) at Houston (28-19) 8:30 p.m. EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The returns of Yao Ming and Ron Artest did little to help the Houston Rockets end their recent slide. With the other member of the team's "Big Three" possibly sidelined, the drought may continue.

The Rockets hope to have Tracy McGrady in the lineup on Saturday when they host the Golden State Warriors.

Playing in his third game after missing six contests with a sprained right ankle, Ron Artest scored only nine points off the bench and Yao, who returned to the floor after missing back-to-back contests with a right-knee injury, added 13 and nine rebounds on Wednesday. The production wasn't enough, as Houston suffered its third loss in four games, dropping a 95-93 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers.

McGrady, whose potential game-tying jumper was partially deflected by Samuel Dalembert as time expired, paced the Rockets with 24 points but could miss the Warriors tilt after spraining his left ankle in practice on Friday.

It is just the latest setback for Houston, which has had Artest, Yao and McGrady on the court together for only three games this season due to injuries.

This go-round, McGrady sounded optimistic.

"Right now, it's hard to tell with these things. High ankle sprain," McGrady told the Houston Chronicle. "We'll see how I feel in the morning. What can you do? I think this isn't something that's going to keep me out of the lineup for multiple games. We'll make a decision (Saturday)."

The Rockets could use McGrady's services against the Warriors, who claimed a 91-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday.

Corey Maggette scored 12 of his 19 points in the final six minutes and Jamal Crawford provided the dagger with a jumper with 15 seconds remaining to push the lead to 87-82 as the Warriors held the Hornets to 36 percent (28-of-78) shooting.