Allan Houston's storybook comeback appears headed for an unhappy and possibly ugly ending.

Isiah Thomas decided not to have Houston dress for last night's 110-94 exhibition loss to the Nets at the Meadowlands and later admitted that Houston's chances of making the final roster were slim.

"It's an uphill battle and he definitely needs as much court time as possible," Thomas said. "But you also want to be respectful of the player and the person."