TONIGHT: Houston Rockets, 8:30

WHERE: Compaq Center, Houston.

RECORDS: Magic 26-25, Rockets 17-33.

BROADCAST: TV -- WRBW-Ch. 65. Radio -- 580 AM (WDBO) in Orlando, Spanish-language coverage on 1440 AM (WPRD).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Magic -- F Mike Miller (6-8), F Pat Garrity (6-9), C Horace Grant (6-10), G Tracy McGrady (6-8), G Darrell Armstrong (6-1). Rockets -- Eddie Griffin (6-10), F Kenny Thomas (6-7), C Kelvin Cato (6-11), G Steve Francis (6-3) G Cuttino Mobley (6-4).

ROCKETS UPDATE: Like the Magic, the Rockets have seen their season changed by injury. Francis has missed 21 games, either because of a foot injury or migraines. Francis has been outstanding when he plays, leading his team in points, rebounds and assists. He has become a triple-double threat each night. When he plays well, the Rockets can beat anyone. They've lost Maurice Taylor and Glen Rice for the season because of injuries.

MAGIC UPDATE: Orlando spent Friday's practice working on defense, which has been a big problem since the all-star break. The Magic gave up 114 points to the Knicks and 112 points to the Heat in the past two games. The Magic remain upbeat about making the playoffs, still believing their schedule in the final two months will push them upward in the Eastern Conference.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Magic have been disappointed in their defensive performance, and they are hoping for a much-improved effort tonight. If Francis doesn't play, they should be able to win this one easily. If Francis plays, it's another matter. He and Mobley are an outstanding backcourt, able to erase the flaws in their front line. Watch for Steven Hunter to regain a spot in the Magic's rotation.

ETC.: The Magic are 16-10 against the Rockets in the all-time series, but everyone also remembers Houston's 4-0 sweep against the Magic in the 1995 NBA Finals. The teams split last season. Before the Magic lost to the Rockets last season, they had won 12 consecutive regular-season games against them. It was their longest winning streak against any opponent.