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Yao, Rockets visit Warriors without injured McGrady

Dec 14, 2006 - 3:02 PM Houston (14-7) at Golden State (11-11) 10:30 pm EST

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets will be without Tracy McGrady when they face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.

McGrady is sidelined indefinitely due to back spasms. The six-time All-Star sat out Tuesday night's 102-94 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Yao Ming scored 26 points and Luther Head, starting in place of McGrady, scored 21 points for Houston, which was held to 13 points in the third quarter vs. Los Angeles.

McGrady missed 35 games last season, mostly related to back problems. The Rockets were 7-28 in his absence.

The Warriors, who have have their own injury issues, are coming off a 126-113 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Matt Barnes had 32 points and 11 rebounds - both career highs - to lead six Warriors in double figures. Mickael Pietrus had 21 points and Andris Biedrins and Mike Dunleavy added 20 apiece for Golden State, which won for only the fourth time in its last 12 games.

The Warriors are playing without guard Jason Richardson (bruised knee) and forward-center Troy Murphy (sore foot).

Golden State may need this game more than the Rockets. Following this game, the Warriors hit the road for six straight and nine of 11 games. The Rockets defeated the Warriors, 118-90, on December 5 as McGrady scored 31 points and Yao added 27.