The Rockets were forced to use their 17th starting lineup of the season and their fourth different lineup in as many games with center Kelvin Cato unable to play after suffering from food poisoning on Monday.

In Cato's absence, rookie Eddie Griffin started at center against the Utah Jazz, with forward Terence Morris taking Griffin's starting spot.

Also, guard Moochie Norris was suffering from flu symptons. Both Cato and Norris underwent intravenous treatments in the emergency room on Monday and both arrived at the arena for the game. Norris played, scoring seven points in 18 minutes. Guard Steve Francis' migraine pain also returned Monday afternoon, but he started and scored a game-high 33 points.