(Sports Network) - The reeling Golden State Warriors aim to avoid their eighth consecutive loss Friday when they kick off a three-game road trip by visiting the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.

The Warriors lost a tough one Monday when Miami rookie Michael Beasley made a veteran play, stepping in front of an inbounds pass, getting fouled and draining the winning free throw with 3.6 seconds left in overtime, as the Heat downed Golden State, 130-129.

Corey Maggette scored 29 points for the Warriors and Brandan Wright added 15 points. Andris Biedrins totaled 17 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.

The Warriors will also face San Antonio and Oklahoma City on their trek.

Meanwhile, the Rockets got back on the winning track Wednesday in Houston when Yao Ming scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the team to a 103-96 victory over the woeful Los Angeles Clippers.

Rafer Alston added a season-high 21 points, seven assists and eight rebounds for the Rockets, who continue to play without star swingman Tracy McGrady and have won seven of 10 overall. McGrady is nursing a sore left knee.

Ron Artest contributed a 19-point effort, while Carl Landry posted 12 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Houston, which is 5-3 in south Texas this season, has won two straight over Golden State after losing its previous four versus the Warriors. Golden State is just 2-8 outside of Oakland this season.



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