THE WEEK AHEAD: 4 GAMES

Tuesday vs. Houston, 7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Net -- Yao-Shaq II, this time presumably without the telephone calls to the Chinese consulate seeking comment on ill-conceived senses of humor.

Wednesday at Utah, 6 p.m. PST, Channel 9 -- Karl Malone’s so old he remembers when John Stockton was a top-five point guard in the NBA. What’s that you say?

Friday vs. Portland, 7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Net -- Trail Blazers come to town, area 7-Elevens stock up on Twinkies, Ring Dings, Oreos.

Sunday vs. Seattle, 6:30 p.m., Fox Sports Net -- Jerome James denies charges Jerome James is selfish, says Jerome James would like to be left alone now with Jerome James’ ball and Jerome James’ stat sheet.