SAN ANTONIO -- Trevor Ariza scored nine points in his Rockets debut, helping Houston beat the San Antonio Spurs 99-85 on Tuesday night in the preseason opener for both teams.
Carl Landry had 19 points to lead the Rockets, who are beginning the season without the cornerstones of their team. Yao Ming is out for the season after his broken left foot was slow healing, and Tracy McGrady is recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee, and is not expect back until midseason.
Ron Artest, the other big name from last season's team, left for the Lakers in the offseason. Taking his place is Ariza, who helped Los Angeles win the championship.
The Spurs' Manu Ginobili saw his first action since a stress fracture in his right leg discovered on April 5 sidelined him last season. He played 13 minutes, scoring four points on 1-of-4 shooting.
San Antonio played without Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Michael Finley, who were sitting in street clothes along with new teammates Theo Ratliff and Antonio McDyess. Rookie DeJuan Blair took advantage of the playing time with 16 points and 19 rebounds in 22 minutes.
Houston also played without starter Shane Battier.
