(Sports Network) - The streaking Houston Rockets go for their season-best fifth straight victory when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Toyota Center.

This is the first meeting of the season between the clubs. The Rockets and Timberwolves split four contests last season.

Minnesota has dropped two in a row at Houston.

The Rockets open a five-game homestand against Minnesota. On Wednesday, Yao Ming scored a season-high 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Rockets over the New York Knicks, 101-92, at Madison Square Garden.

Rafer Alston collected 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists for the Rockets, who have won four straight and six of their last eight contests overall. Luis Scola posted 19 points and Luther Head netted 12 in the victory.

Houston will also host New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio and Seattle on the current homestand. The Rockets are 8-6 at the Toyota Center this season.

All-Star guard Tracy McGrady (strained left knee tendon) has missed eight straight contests for Houston. McGrady leads the Rockets in scoring (22.8 ppg) and is questionable for tonight's game.

Minnesota attempts to win back-to-back games for the first time this season on Friday. Rashad McCants scored 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists, as the Timberwolves snapped an eight-game skid with a 101-91 victory over the Miami Heat at the Target Center.

Al Jefferson ended with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who won for just the second time in their last 16 games overall. Marko Jaric registered 17 points and eight assists, while Ryan Gomes chipped in 13 points and Sebastian Telfair netted 11 and handed out nine assists in the victory.

The Timberwolves, who have dropped 12 in a row as the visitor, are a brutal 1-16 on the road this season.