Once again, Rockets trying to make do with what they've got

The Rockets find themselves on the outside looking in. Outside, down the street and limping. A Houston team that began the season believing it could be a serious contender begins the week 11th in the Western Conference and closer to the 13th-place Los Angeles Clippers than Portland in eighth.

At 22-27, the Rockets might be better off preparing for the lottery. Still, there's something to be gained over the next 2 1/2 months that can turn 2010-11 into a success. A relative success.

"We're still fighting to make the playoffs," veteran forward Shane Battier said. "We're not giving up on that yet, despite our record. Every team is different. I take last year for example: No Yao, we're small, undermanned, injured the whole year and to go 42-40 was a helluva year. One of the best years of my career, a year I'll always remember and we missed the playoffs.

"While most people were disappointed, I was proud of our effort. You want to maximize the potential of each group. I don't know the potential of this group. I really don't. I can't give you a number, but I know when we're playing up to that potential and we're not."

It hasn't happened nearly enough. The Rockets, without Yao Ming for another season, have little margin for error. They start 6-foot-6 Chuck Hayes at center. They have to play frenetic. They get have to get up and down the floor. Only four other teams shoot more 3-pointers than the Rockets.