The Rockets have lost starting center Chuck Hayes for the next 2-4 weeks with a sprained ankle. Hayes has played in 31 games (20 starts) for the Rockets so far this year and he is averaging 21.5 minutes, 6.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game on 54.2% shooting from the floor. The Rockets will use 23-year old Jordan Hill and 34-year old Brad Miller at center until Hayes is ready to return to action. Hill has played in 29 games (1 start) so far this year and he is averaging 17.5 minutes, 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game on 51.3% from the floor. I look for Hill to step up and respond to the challenge. Brad Miller has played in 30 games (5 starts) for the Rockets so far this year and he is averaging 18.1 minutes, 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Miller is shooting an amazing 43.4% from three point range so far this year. I think Hill & Miller will do a good job while Hayes is out of action.

The Rockets didn’t play any D last night as the Heat shot 58.1% from the floor and that did them in. Luis Scola (22 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist) and Kevin Martin (21 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals) led the way for the Rockets last night. Aaron Brooks was outstanding off the bench last night for the Rockets with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists in 26 minutes on the floor. Chuck Hayes (13 points), Kyle Lowry (11 points) and Chase Budinger (11 points) also had solid games for the Rockets. The Rockets put forth a great effort last night but it just wasn’t good enough to prevail. The Rockets are now 15-16 on the year.

The Rockets outscored the Wizards 32-20 in the 4th quarter to surge to victory tonight. Kevin Martin led the way for the Rockets in this game with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot. Shane Battier (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocked shots) and Aaron Brooks (15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 22 minutes) also had solid games tonight. Luis Scola (13 points) and Jordan Hill (13 points) also helped out offensively tonight for the Rockets. The Rockets are now 15-15 on the season.

Starting point guard Aaron Brooks went down to injury early this season and 24-year old Kyle Lowry took advantage of that situation in December. Lowry has played in 12 games so far this month and he is averaging 35.8 minutes, 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game. He is also shooting really well hitting 46.3% from the floor and an absolutely amazing 48.9% from three point range this month! Lowry has now played in 25 games (21 starts) for the Rockets overall this year and he is averaging 33.7 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

The Rockets were just a little bit better than the Clippers last night. Kevin Martin led the way for the Rockets in this game with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Luis Scola also had a solid game with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. Shane Battier pitched in with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot. The Rockets are now 14-15 on the season.