The Houston Rockets are expected to meet this week with Jeff Van Gundy about becoming Rudy Tomjanovich's replacement as coach, according to a league source.

Houston must get permission from the Knicks before it can formally interview Van Gundy, who is still under contract with the team until July 31. As of late yesterday, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson had not spoken to Knicks president Scott Layden.

Knicks officials yesterday declined to comment on Van Gundy's status. The team did grant New Orleans, Toronto and Cleveland permission to speak with its former coach.

According to several people familiar with the Rockets' search, Van Gundy and the 76ers' Larry Brown are the team's top two choices. Brown, however, is under contract for two more seasons.