Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady started Tuesday night against Atlanta after missing the last five games because of a back injury.

McGrady has missed eight of Houston's 14 games after straining his back in practice on Nov. 4. The Rockets have lost all eight games without him.

McGrady, a five-time All-Star, sat out three games after the initial injury, then returned to score 35 points in Houston's win at New Jersey on Nov. 12. He started Houston's next four games, but hasn't played since going 3-for-16 in three quarters in the Rockets' loss to Detroit on Nov. 18.

McGrady, the NBA's sixth-leading scorer last season, came into Tuesday's game averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.