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Rockets look to get back on track vs. Bobcats

Dec 8, 2006 - 2:31 PM Houston (12-6) at Charlotte (5-13) 7:00 pm EST

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady had rare off nights in their last contest.

One of the highest-scoring duos in the NBA, Yao and McGrady aim to bounce back Friday when they lead the Rockets against the Charlotte Bobcats, who are in the third contest of a four-game homestand.

The two superstars finished with 14 points apiece for Houston, which shot 34 percent (31-of-89) overall in a 90-84 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. The team's two leading scorers, Yao (25.1) and McGrady (18.5) finally have gelled on the court this season.

Prior to Wednesday's loss, McGrady scored 31 points and Yao Ming added 27 as the Rockets routed Golden State, 118-90, for their sixth win in seven games on Tuesday. However, Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy predicted his team's loss the next day, saying that the Rockets have been sluggish in the second game of back-to-backs - falling to 1-3 in those spots.

Sean May scored 18 points and Gerald Wallace added 15 in the Bobcats' 96-76 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday. Charlotte rookie Adam Morrison, who was harassed by Bruce Bowen, finished with just two points on 1-of-10 shooting. Morrison had 27 points in the first meeting with the Spurs - a Bobcats upset win.

Tied with Memphis for the worst record in the NBA, the Bobcats have won three of their four all-time meetings with the Rockets.