"I really feel for him," coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "I have so much respect for the guy. He has played with pain for the last several years and he really wants to help this team. I know he was feeling very optimistic. The news hurt all of us.

"I'd love for him to get back and get completely healthy. I really think he fits this team and he can help this team."

Rice has never been 100 percent since joining the Rockets this season. He averaged 8.6 points on 38.9 percent shooting, and 28.1 percent 3-point shooting in his 20 games.