The Rockets held center Yao Ming out of their loss to the Spurs on Saturday night.

Houston was playing the first game of a back-to-back and coach Rick Adelman said Sunday's game against Minnesota is more favorable for Yao than trying to defend San Antonio's pick-and-roll offense.

At 0-5, the Rockets are the NBA's only winless team.

They are keeping strict limits on Yao's minutes and play in hopes that he'll be healthy for a full season.