Rockets veteran Shane Battier has undergone an easy transition from starter to reserve player.

"Shane, No. 1, has no problem with it," coach Rick Adelman said. "He's told me forever he'll come off the bench, and I told him I'll try it, but I don't know if that's the best thing for our team. What that means is it changes Trevor (Ariza's) role somewhat because now he's got to guard the toughest guy out there who starts the game. The other thing with Shane is he gives me a lot of flexibility. It's something we're going to keep looking at."

Battier started during his first three seasons in Houston and started 59 of the 62 games he played prior to the move this year.

"It might be good. It might be bad," he said. "I think I can handle it. I haven't done it in a while. It may be a good career move. It may be a bad career move. I don't know. Time will tell."