Strategy for the Rockets Revolves Around Yao

Yao Ming has been a big problem for the Clippers.

The 7-foot-6, 310-pound Houston center scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds Feb. 22 in a 106-102 Rocket victory at the Toyota Center.

In nine games this month, Yao is averaging 28.9 points and 11 rebounds.

Tonight at Houston, the Clippers begin a three-game, five-day trip, so they again have focused much of their attention on Yao.

“Yao Ming has been playing incredibly well,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

“He’s shooting the ball great, and he’s been very aggressive. You’ve got to do your work early against him.

“You’ve got to get to your double-teams when you’re supposed to double-team. You’ve got to be efficient.

“You can’t let them get easy points, because with him in the game, they have a chance to get enough easy scores as it is.”

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The Clippers view the trip as another test on the road as they pursue their first playoff berth since the 1996-97 season, players said.

“We have to keep growing as a team,” co-captain Elton Brand said. “We have to improve as a unit, get more cohesive, and play well on the road.

“We have these road games coming up, and as it stands now we’re going to start on the road [in the playoffs], so playing well on the road is important. We just have to work on defense and intensity on the road.”

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Backup point guard Shaun Livingston, who recently suffered a sprained left ankle, sat out practice.

Livingston is expected to play tonight.

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Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who has played in only 18 games, has made progress in an effort to build stamina and return to the lineup, according to Dunleavy.

TONIGHT

at Houston, 5:30 PST, Channel 5

Site -- Toyota Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 38-26, Rockets 29-37.

Record vs. Rockets -- 1-2.

Update -- Despite a four-game losing streak, the Rockets are in contention for the final Western Conference playoff berth.