In four games with McGrady inactive due to a sore left knee, the Rockets (12-7) have been inconsistent offensively, shooting just 41.0 percent from the field while going 2-2. The seven-time All-Star, who has averaged 22.2 points in his career, is expected to be out for about three more weeks.

"In this three weeks, we need a little bit more from everybody," Houston center Yao Ming said. "He is a big part of our team. I think that everybody understands that, and everybody is clear that when we step on the court, we need to really be ready to play."

The Rockets did just enough on Wednesday to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-96. Yao had 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Rafer Alston added 21 points, eight boards and seven assists, shooting 5-of-9 from 3-point range. Ron Artest had 19 points.

"The balance has been there all season," Alston said. "I think that's something we have to continue to thrive on. It takes the load off your main guys when you have other guys scoring."

Houston again struggled from the field, shooting 40.8 percent, but the Rockets were 31-of-39 from the free throw line, led by Yao's 12-of-13.

Coach Rick Adelman's club will also continue to rely on its staunch defense. The Rockets allow 91.2 points per game, fewest in the Western Conference.

Defense certainly isn't emphasized in Golden State. The up-tempo Warriors (5-13) allow an NBA-high 110.3 points per game, and their high-scoring offense hasn't been able to keep up lately.

During their seven-game losing streak - their longest since dropping nine straight from March 27-April 11, 2006 - they've given up more than 110 points six times, allowing an average of 118.1 points over that span. The skid included an 0-5 road trip that dropped Golden State to 2-8 on the road.

The Warriors thought they finally had a victory at home on Monday, holding a three-point lead in the closing seconds of overtime against Miami. But Chris Quinn hit a tying 3-pointer for the Heat, and Michael Beasley stole the inbounds pass and made a free throw for a 130-129 Miami victory.

"It will be a hard loss to get over," Warriors coach Don Nelson said.

Jamal Crawford had 40 points for Golden State, but is winless in five games after being acquired in a trade from New York.

Despite leading the Warriors to the second round of the playoffs in 2006-07 and winning 48 games last season, Nelson said Monday that he knows he doesn't have a playoff team right now.

"I like the team for the future. I've got a lot of guys that aren't ready yet," the coach said. "We have some deficiencies as a team. One of them is passing. We're not a good passing team. Our trade helps that, gives us another passer. We're not strong defenders."

The Rockets took advantage of the Warriors' defensive deficiencies late last season, averaging 110.0 points in a pair of victories that earned them a split of the season series. Houston had lost its previous four games against Golden State.