TODAY’S GAME

TODAY’S GAME

Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards

When: 7 p.m. | Where: Verizon Center

TV/radio: CSN+, ESPN, ESPN 980

Probable starters: Rockets - F Luis Scola, F Ron Artest, C Chuck Hayes, G Rafer Alston, G Tracy McGrady. Wizards - F Caron Butler, F Antawn Jamison, C JaVale McGee, G DeShawn Stevenson, G Dee Brown.

Injuries: Rockets - Questionable: C Yao Ming (sore left foot), F Artest (right ankle); Out: F Shane Battier (inflamed left foot). Wizards - Day-to-day: C Thomas (ankle); Out: C Brendan Haywood (wrist), G Gilbert Arenas (knee).

Outlook: The Wizards returned to practice Thursday, a night after back-to-back losses to Miami and Atlanta, respectively. Coach Eddie Jordan said he was encouraged by the improvements he saw Wednesday, particularly the team’s energy and the results netted from moving point guard Dee Brown and center JaVale McGee into the starting lineup.

“I feel like we’re getting close,” Jordan said reflecting on the 91-87 loss to Atlanta. “We found harmony and rhythm [Wednesday] night. We started out the quarter pretty well. We moved the ball even though we had a new starting lineup with JaVale and Dee. It was a good showing for us.”

Point guard Antonio Daniels, who has missed the last three games, returned to practice two days after receiving a cortisone shot, but his status for Friday’s game is uncertain.

- Mike Jones