Battier practices with Rockets for first time; T-Mac practices, too

HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier practiced with the team for the first time on Tuesday, but Ron Artest and Yao Ming skipped the workout after leaving Monday's win over Oklahoma City with sprained ankles.

Tracy McGrady also practiced Tuesday after re-aggravating his sore left knee in Monday's game. McGrady was going to have an MRI on the knee, but decided with team officials that the test was unnecessary and practiced instead.

The Rockets play Dallas on Wednesday and Artest and Yao said they would be ready by game time.

Battier has been bothered with inflammation in his left foot for months after offseason surgery. He said Tuesday that he needs a few more full practices before he's ready to play in a game.