Streaking Houston Set for a Celtic Test

Tracy McGrady bent over exhausted at midcourt after the Rockets extended their winning streak to 22 games by beating the Lakers on Sunday.

But there's no time to rest. The Rockets host Boston, the NBA's best team, tonight. The Celtics rallied past the Spurs in San Antonio last night.

"It's going to be a challenge, it's going to be a tough game for us," McGrady said. "But we're capable of winning it."

The Rockets' streak was already the second longest in NBA history and they took over the top spot in the Western Conference with Sunday's 104-92 victory. McGrady scored only 11 points on 4-for-16 shooting and the win showed again that the Rockets have become more than a one-man show since Yao Ming went down with a foot injury 10 games ago.

"That's the makeup of our team," McGrady said. "You just can't rely on one guy. There are going to be some nights where I'm going to be off. We have multiple guys who can pick up the slack. That's a good thing to have."

Point guard Rafer Alston hit eight three-pointers and scored 31 points on Sunday, and has averaged 16 points and 6.6 assists during the streak.

¿ WARRIORS: The brother of Golden State's Monta Ellis has been released from the hospital after being shot in the back twice over the weekend in Jackson, Miss. Antwain Ellis, 27, was released from University of Mississippi Medical Center. There are no suspects and no arrests have been made, police said.

¿ PACERS: Jamaal Tinsley and Marquis Daniels avoided a trial on charges stemming from a 2007 bar fight in Indianapolis. Prosecutors agreed to drop all charges if the players stay out of trouble for two years.

-- From News Services