Minnesota (19-21) at Houston (15-26) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- One day after making a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics, the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves face the Houston Rockets in their second meeting of the season.

Coming off four losses in five games, the Timberwolves sent swingman Wally Szczerbiak and centers Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones to the Celtics for guards Ricky Davis and Marcus Banks, center Mark Blount and forward Justin Reed.

Ending a seven-year stint with Minnesota, Szczerbiak has averaged 22.7 points since December 1 and was the third-leading scorer in franchise history. Davis, a top contender for the last year's Sixth Man Award, averaged 19.7 points with Boston this season.

In another deal, the Timberwolevs sent Nikoloz Tskitishvili to the Phoenix Suns for a second-round draft pick.

Minnesota will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak following Wednesday's 107-87 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Kevin Garnett scored 29 points for the Timberwolves, who have failed to top more than 87 during the skid.

The Rockets, who lead Portland by one-half game to avoid the lowest record in the Western Conference, have won three of four since Tracy McGrady's return from back spasms.

McGrady scored 29 points to lead five players in double figures for Houston in Wednesday's 102-78 triumph over the Charlotte Bobcats. The Rockets had a 48-34 rebounding edge and forced 18 turnovers.

On November 15, McGrady scored 25 points for Houston in a 94-89 victory over Minnesota. The teams have split their last six encounters.