Hornets in Houston tonight, to face the division-rival Rockets for the first time this season. Game tips at 7:30 Central.

The Rockets stand at 18-13 on the season, 8-4 at home. They’re coming off a three-game East coast road trip that saw them get blown out in Orlando and Cleveland.

With Yao Ming out injured for the season and Tracy McGrady about to be traded, the Rockets are leaning heavily on the likes of Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry and Trevor Ariza.

The Hornets are coming off Saturday’s disappointing effort in Chicago, which dropped them to a 13-15 record, 2-12 on the road.

Linkage:

• Ryan’s game preview and analysis
• Rival bloggers: Houston Chronicle | Red94 (THN) | The Dream Shake

(Many thanks to Dariusz for the banner, today featuring Kelly Tripucka. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)