Rockets notes:Experimenting with guard-heavy lineup

Personnel strategy

The Rockets went with Carl Landry surrounded by four perimeter players to finish Friday's game, an option they could use late in games when Rick Adelman wants guards Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry on the court and to still keep Shane Battier and Trevor Ariza on the floor.

“We didn't really work on it that much, but we were trying to run some things that work with that lineup,” Adelman said. “Shane's pretty easy to put out there because he's familiar with playing the big guy in those spots. Carl has to look to post up, and they've got to look to play pick-and-roll and roll hard.

“It's a pretty good lineup to have as long as we can defend and rebound with it. We have some of our best offensive players on the floor, and we're pretty active.”

Landry said his job does not change but his defensive responsibilities become more vital.

“I'm still going to be aggressive on offense,” Landry said. “I'm still going to be aggressive on defense, blocking shots and going after rebounds. It's not the size or position of the players; it's the heart. But you know you have to protect the paint more because you're the only big. And you have to talk more because you're the only big and can see everything because you're in the back.”

Loosen up

Rockets center Chuck Hayes, battling tendinitis in his right knee, started Saturday but expected to have to play with pain. He rode a stationary bicycle when he was not in the game.

“As I get going, sometimes it loosens up, sometimes it tightens on me,” Hayes said. “We're going to try to keep it loose as much as possible.”

Crocodile tears

Though both teams Saturday were playing the second half of back-to-backs, the Rockets were in Houston before the Bulls had finished Friday in Phoenix.

Rockets coach Rick Adelman could empathize but offered no sympathy.

“We've been there,” Adelman said. “I'm not going to complain for another team. That wouldn't be right, would it?”