Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Seattle SuperSonics try for their fourth straight win to open the season when they travel to Houston to take on the Rockets at Compaq Center.

Seattle is coming off a 91-77 home win over the Utah Jazz. Gary Payton scored 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, leading the Sonics to their first 3-0 start in three years. Seattle held Utah power forward Karl Malone scoreless throughout the contest.

"When I heard that, it just went through my head that this must be the first time that's ever happened," said Seattle's Rashard Lewis.

"Every time I've seen him play, he's had at least 10 points," Lewis added. "I've never even seen him when he's not in double digits. I guess tonight just wasn't his night."

Desmond Mason chipped in with 16 points, Vladimir Radmanovic scored 15 and Peja Drobnjak dropped in 10 for Seattle. Kenny Anderson, in his first action this season after suffering through back spasms, scored 10 points in the win.

Houston has won two straight since opening the season with a loss. The Rockets are coming off an 88-76 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Steve Francis scored 28 points, while Cuttino Mobley added 20 to the victorious effort. Yao Ming seemed a little more comfortable then he has in previous games. Yao sported a hook shot and a dunk on his way to eight points, four rebounds and a blocked shot.

"Every game is going to be a process," Francis said of his rookie teammate. "We'll stay with him [Yao] 100 percent and he'll stay with us 100 percent. Everything is working out just as planned."

The teams split four meetings last season with the home team prevailing in each case. Seattle has dropped eight of its last 12 at Houston. The Sonics lead the all-time series 86-71.