There's no better time than the start of a new year to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. Especially if you're the Rockets, who endured two of the most turbulent months in their history at the end of last year.

A rash of injuries and off-the-court problems, not to mention a 15-game losing streak, made 2001 a year to forget, but things are already looking up for the Rockets only three days into 2002. The primary reason for optimism is Steve Francis' return to the starting lineup for the first time since Nov. 25.