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Bobcats begin five-game road trip against Rockets

Feb 22, 2009 - 2:19 AM Charlotte (22-33) at Houston (34-21) 5:00 p.m. EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Charlotte Bobcats have had their share of struggles on the road this season. They will hope to cure those woes on a five-game, six-day West Coast road trek this week.

The Bobcats are 6-18 away from home this season as they start their second five-game road trip in less than a month. The road journey starts Sunday against the Houston Rockets, who are 21-6 at home this season.

The Bobcats travel to Houston at the wrong time, as Charlotte is 3-7 in their last 10 games, and the Rockets are aiming for their second four-game winning streak of the season.

Despite the announcement that forward Tracy McGrady will undergo season-ending microfracture surgery, the Rockets have won their last three games, all without McGrady, who is averaging 15.5 points.

The Rockets were active at Thursday's trading deadline, sending point guard Rafer Alston to Orlando in a three-team deal, in which the Rockets received Kyle Lowry from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Trading Alston opened a spot in the starting lineup for Aaron Brooks. Houston is 7-1 when Brooks starts at point guard.

Brooks started Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, his first start since December 31 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Brooks contributed 19 points and eight assists in the Rockets' 93-86 victory over their cross-state rivals.

Sunday's game will be the first meeting of the season between the Rockets and the Bobcats. Their second and final matchup of the season will come on March 13 in Charlotte.