In the News

'Linsanity' a boon for NBA in China (AP)
The excitement surrounding New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is providing a fresh impetus to the NBA's lucrative China business in the wake of Yao Ming's retirement. The Harvard graduate's stunning rise this month is spurring further growth in viewership and merchandise sales that soared during the years Yao played with the Houston Rockets, NBA China CEO David Shoemaker said in an...

Lin spurring growth for NBA China; Yao 'happy'
Updates with quote from sports scholar, plans to bring Lin to China. With AP Photos.

Report: Yao tried to sign Lin during lockout
Yao Ming attempted to sign Knicks point guard sensation Jeremy Lin to play for his Shanghai Sharks during the NBA lockout, but was unsuccessful, two league sources said.

Retired Yao goes into politics in his native China
Retired NBA star Yao Ming has added another line to his post-basketball resume -- politician -- becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature.

Ex-Rockets C Yao enters Chinese politics (AP)
Retired NBA star Yao Ming has added another line to his post-basketball resume -- politician -- becoming a member of an advisory body to Shanghai's legislature. Since the 31-year-old Yao announced last July that injuries had ended his career with the Houston Rockets, he has become a university student and set up a wine business to go with owning a professional basketball team in China.

Yao enters politics in China
Not content with owning a basketball team, studying business and making wine, China's former NBA superstar Yao Ming has now become the youngest -- and tallest -- legislative adviser in Shanghai.

Yao to sell wine in China
Months after retiring from basketball, Chinese sporting hero Yao Ming is venturing into business by setting up a wine company to meet a growing thirst in his home country.

Retired Yao attending university in hometown
Retired basketball star Yao Ming, whose career was cut short by injury, has started classes at Jiatong University, one of the top universities in his hometown Shanghai.

Yao attending university in Shanghai (AP)
Retired basketball star Yao Ming, whose career was cut short by injury, has started classes at Jiatong University, one of the top universities in his hometown Shanghai. He joked to reporters Monday after his first day of classes that "the teacher showed me some mercy and did not leave me any homework." The former Houston Rockets center, who retired four months ago because of chronic...

After basketball, Yao going to school
Retired basketball star Yao Ming, whose career was cut short by injury, has started classes at Jiatong University, one of the top universities in his hometown Shanghai.

Yao Ming goes back to school
Chinese basketball hero Yao Ming is returning to school, three months after retiring from the game that made him a global star, the state Xinhua news agency reported Monday, citing his agent.

Yao asks that Hall nomination be delayed
Yao Ming's agent has asked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to set aside Yao's nomination for a year.

Yao asks Hall of Fame to put nomination on hold
Yao Ming's agent has asked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to set aside Yao's nomination for a year.

Yao nominated for Hall as contributor
Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year as a contributor.

Yao could enter Hall as contributor (AP)
Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year as a contributor. John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel.

Yao could join Hall as contributor as soon as '12
When Yao Ming retired from the NBA last month, his departure from the game touched off discussion on whether he was worthy of enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame. It now appears the real question is not if Yao will be enshrined, but how soon.

Yao announces retirement in Shanghai (AP)
A large scroll behind the player who brought China to the NBA and the NBA to China summed up the occasion. "Ming xie," it said in large Chinese characters that, loosely translated, mean "Yao Ming, thanks, the end." Yao, with teary eyes at times and dressed in an equally somber black suit, closed the book Wednesday on his eight-year career with the Houston Rockets, conceding...

It's official: Yao announces retirement in China
The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.

Yao Ming retirement video


It's official: Yao announces retirement in China
The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.

Yao Ming makes retirement from NBA official


Yao announces retirement in Shanghai (AP)
Yao Ming has made it official Wednesday, telling a packed news conference in his hometown that a series of foot and leg injuries have forced him to retire from basketball. "I will formally end my career," said Yao, the 7-fooot-6 center who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets as the top draft pick in 2002.

Yao set to announce retirement Wednesday (AP)
Yao Ming is likely to make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China. The 7-foot-6 center for the Houston Rockets played eight seasons in the NBA, but has missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.

Yao Ming set to retire Wednesday
Yao Ming is likely to make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China.

Yao Ming announces retirement
Yao Ming is likely to make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China.

Yao set to formally end NBA career Wednesday
Yao Ming is likely to make it official on Wednesday, announcing what is expected to be his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China.

Durant: Yao should be in Hall of Fame (AP)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant says it is "tough" to see Yao Ming retire and that the player deserves to be in the basketball Hall of Fame. Durant said during a promotional tour in China on Tuesday that it has been an honor to play against the 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center. Yao is expected to announce at a news conference on July 20 that he's retiring from the NBA after...

Durant says Yao deserves place in Hall of Fame
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant says it is "tough" to see Yao Ming retire and that the player deserves to be in the basketball Hall of Fame.

Durant: Yao deserves to be in HOF
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant says it is tough to see Yao Ming retire and that the player deserves to be in the basketball Hall of Fame.

Yao's retirement could hamper NBA in China
Yao Ming's expected retirement could diminish the NBA's once-burgeoning popularity in China, with many fans saying they would no longer watch games.

Yao did much in little time in league (AP)
Those beat-up legs that cut short seasons, and eventually a career, would never have sat still for China's greatest moment. Yao Ming knew the Chinese needed to be successful as the hosts of the 2008 Olympics, and he knew they couldn't do it without him. So when he was injured that February, just six months before the opening ceremony, he threw himself into a rehab that ensured he'd be...

Report: Yao to retire, but yet to file paperwork
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is retiring after nine NBA seasons, according to a person with direct knowledge of his decision.

Yao's agent declines comment on center's plans
Yao Ming's American agent would not confirm reports that the Houston Rockets' All-Star center is retiring, saying Yao has scheduled a July 20 news conference in Shanghai to reveal his plans.

Chinese fans shocked by Yao news (AP)
Yahoo! Sports' report that Yao Ming is retiring left saddened Chinese basketball fans in disbelief. Thousands of fans flooded online forums on Saturday reacting to the news. One wrote: "He's China's top athlete...it's a pity to lose such a sports icon." Other fans like Liu Kan, a 28-year-old security guard in central Beijing, said Chinese fans should thank the 7-foot-6 Yao...

Report: Rockets C Yao to retire (AP)
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Yao Ming is retiring from basketball. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, plagued by lower-body injuries in the second half of his career, has informed the league office that his playing career is over, the website reported. The Rockets have no comment on the report because of the lockout, and the NBA has not received official retirement paperwork from Yao.

Reports: Rockets' Yao retiring after 9 seasons
Rockets center Yao Ming has decided to retire after nine NBA seasons, Yahoo! Sports has reported, citing league sources.

Yao mum on future with Rockets
Yao Ming is staying tightlipped about his future once his contract with the Houston Rockets expires at the end of this month.

Yao Ming's future still up in the air


Yao recovering, hopes to remain with Rockets
Yao Ming says his surgically repaired left ankle is healing properly and he would like to remain with the Houston Rockets.

Yao suing Chinese company
Chinese news reports say that injured NBA all-star Yao Ming has sued a sportswear maker for allegedly using his name and logo to sell its products.

Yao Ming files lawsuit against Chinese company
China's official news agency says Yao Ming has sued a sportswear maker for allegedly using his name and logo to sell its products.

Yao suing Chinese sportswear maker (AP)
China's official news agency says Yao Ming has sued a sportswear maker for allegedly using his name and logo to sell its products. Xinhua News Agency reported Friday that the injured Houston Rockets center had sued Wuhan Yunhe Sharks Sportswear Co. for putting his name and logo "Yao Ming Era" on its shoes.

Recovering Yao Ming wants to re-sign with Houston Rockets
Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Injured Yao wants to stick with Rockets (AP)

Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer. Yao says his priority is recovering from the stress fracture to his left ankle that kept him out of all but five games this season. He told reporters in his hometown of Shanghai on Thursday that he hopes to begin workouts once he returns to the U.S.

Yao wants to stay with Rockets
Rockets center Yao Ming says he hopes to continue playing for Houston after his contract expires this summer.

Rockets appear headed for rebuilding job (AP)
Rick Adelman came to Houston in 2007 hoping to build a contending team around All-Stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. Both were stricken with injuries almost from the moment Adelman arrived, and the Rockets played most of the last two seasons without them. McGrady underwent microfracture surgery on his knee and was traded away in February 2010, and Yao missed all but five games this season with a...

Duncan to start All-Star Game for Yao
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says Tim Duncan will replace Yao Ming in the Western Conference's starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star game in Los Angeles.

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan to replace Houston Rockets' Yao Ming, start in All-Star Game
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says Tim Duncan will replace Yao Ming in the Western Conference's starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

David Stern selects Kevin Love to replace Yao Ming at All-Star Game
Minnesota Timberwolves center Kevin Love has been selected as the final Western Conference reserve for the Feb. 20 All-Star Game.

Wolves' Love gets Yao's All-Star spot (AP)
Kevin Love will be going to the NBA All-Star game. The NBA's leading rebounder was added to the Western Conference roster on Friday night by Commissioner David Stern as the injury replacement for Houston center Yao Ming. Love was arguably the biggest snub when reserves were announced Thursday night.

NBA grants Houston Rockets salary exception to replace Yao Ming
The NBA has granted a disabled player salary exception to the Houston Rockets in the wake of Yao Ming's latest season-ending injury.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard hopes to see Yao Ming of Houston Rockets back, healthy
Magic center Dwight Howard says Yao Ming may have come back from his last injury too soon and that he hopes to see the Houston big man back in the NBA soon.

Howard: Yao may have come back too soon (AP)
Magic center Dwight Howard says Yao Ming may have come back from his last injury too soon and that he hopes to see the Houston big man back in the NBA soon. The 25-year-old Howard said at Friday's shoot around before Orlando plays Houston, that a player who is away from the game for a while rushes to get back -- and that's what he thinks Yao may have done.

Yao scheduled to have ankle surgery (AP)
A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the procedure had not been officially announced by the team.

Report: Yao scheduled for ankle surgery
A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming to have ankle surgery, according to reports
A person with knowledge of the situation says Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Rockets F Hayes to miss 2-4 weeks (AP)
Houston Rockets forward Chuck Hayes will miss 2-4 weeks after spraining his right ankle in practice Thursday. The 6-foot-6 Hayes had an MRI and an X-ray that showed a "moderate to severe" sprain, the team said. Hayes has started 20 games in place of center Yao Ming, out for the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Rockets considering trading injured Yao
The Houston Rockets are considering trading center and seven-time NBA All-Star Yao Ming, sources said Monday.

Rockets overcome Ellis' 44 in win (AP)

Shane Battier called his teammates together before this road trip for what he considered a necessary pep talk. Whether it helped or not, something is suddenly clicking for the Houston Rockets -- even with Yao Ming out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Kevin Martin made a tying basket and a go-ahead 3-pointer in crunch time on the way to 30 points, and the Rockets...

Yao Ming: Houston Rockets seeking disabled player exception
The Rockets are seeking a disabled player salary cap exception from the NBA after losing center Yao Ming for the season.

Rockets want cap relief for injured Yao
The Houston Rockets have asked the NBA for a disabled player salary cap exception in the wake of Yao Ming's season-ending ankle injury.

Rockets seek cap exception with Yao out (AP)
The Houston Rockets have asked the NBA for a disabled player salary cap exception in the wake of Yao Ming's season-ending ankle injury. Yao has been out since Nov. 10 with a stress fracture in his left ankle. The seven-time All-Star, who missed all of last season following reconstructive foot surgery, appeared in only five games this year before getting hurt again.

Martin's 34 help Rockets beat Grizzlies (AP)

On the night the Rockets found out Yao Ming was lost for the season, Kevin Martin scored 34 points to lift Houston to a 103-87 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. It was a much-needed lift for the Rockets, who disclosed on Friday that their star center would miss the rest of 2010-2011 because of a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao out for season with stress fracture
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the season because of the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao Ming out for season with stress fracture in ankle
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the season because of the stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao Ming out indefinitely with stress fracture in ankle
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he's ready, awaiting clearance
Yao Ming says he's ready to return to action for the Rockets. But he's waiting for the team's medical staff to come to the same conclusion.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets targets Tuesday return from ankle injury
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming plans to return next week after missing nearly a month with a sprained ankle.

Yao to miss at least two more weeks
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is expected to miss at least two more weeks due to a bone bruise in his left ankle.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming expected to miss at least two more weeks
Yao Ming is expected to miss at least two more weeks because of a bone bruise in his left ankle.

Miller, Scola lift Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Brad Miller and Luis Scola made up for the absence of Yao Ming, and the Houston Rockets held off the Indiana Pacers for a 102-99 victory Friday night. Miller had 23 points and eight rebounds, while Scola added 16 points in the Rockets' first game since losing Yao for a least a week with a sprained ankle.

Rockets C Ming out with sprained ankle
Rockets center Yao Ming has a mild left ankle sprain and is expected to be out at least a week.

Yao Ming out at least one week with mild left ankle sprain
Yao Ming has a mild sprain of his left ankle and will be out at least one week, the Rockets announced Thursday after MRI tests.

Wizards' Wall gets first triple-double (AP)

Rookie John Wall got his first professional triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 98-91 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Yao Ming missed most of the game after he strained a tendon in his leg in the first quarter. Washington used a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away after blowing an 11-point lead.

Houston Rockets' Yao Mind leaves game with strained tendon in left leg
Yao Ming left Wednesday's game with the Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg.

Yao leaves game with left leg injury (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming left Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg. The team said his return is questionable. Yao played the opening 6:14 of the game and did not return for the remainder of the first half. He did not score and grabbed one rebound.

Yao leaves Rockets game with leg injury
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming left Wednesday's game with the Washington Wizards with a strained tendon in his left leg. The team said his return is questionable.

Report: Yao may earn more minutes
The Houston Rockets medical staff, encouraged by Yao Ming's progression after foot surgery, are looking into giving the Chinese superstar more minutes and allowing him to play in back-to-back games, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday.

Even with Yao, Rockets struggling early (AP)
The Houston Rockets have an identity crisis. The Rockets are off to a 1-5 start, and coach Rick Adelman is still searching for the best way to maximize Yao Ming's doctor-mandated limit of 24 minutes on the court. Making matters worse, Houston already is coping with injuries to point guards Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry.

Spurs drop Rockets to 0-5 with OT win (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs caught a break when the winless Houston Rockets decided to rest Yao Ming. Then the Rockets (0-5), the only NBA team without a victory this season, gave the Spurs a few more. Houston lost starters Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin to left ankle sprains, then missed three 3-pointers in the frantic final seconds to let the Spurs escape with a 124-121 overtime victory Saturday night.

Rockets earn first win, top Wolves (AP)

Luis Scola scored 24 points and Kevin Martin added 21 to help the Houston Rockets win their first game of the season with a 120-94 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Yao Ming, playing under a strict time limit while recovering from foot surgery, had 13 points and four rebounds in 16 minutes.

Winless Rockets sit Yao against Spurs
The winless Houston Rockets will not play Yao Ming against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.

Winless Rockets sit Yao Ming against Spurs
The winless Houston Rockets will not play Yao Ming against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.

Blair, Spurs defeat Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decided this week that DeJuan Blair would start in the season opener. On Thursday night, the 21-year-old big man showed exactly why. Blair scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and also had eight rebounds in San Antonio's 111-103 preseason victory over the Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets.

Rockets' season to hinge on Yao's health (AP)
Yao Ming was last seen in an NBA game that counted back in May 2009, limping off the floor in the playoffs and unaware at the time that the injury would force him to miss the following season. Houston has a new look now, younger and deeper than the squad that pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the second round of that postseason.

Yao holds court as Rockets beat Nets in China
With a home crowd chanting his name, Yao Ming looked sharp as he tested his surgically repaired foot Saturday in helping the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 95-85 in a preseason game.

Yao scores 10 during win in China
Kevin Martin scored 16 points and Yao Ming added 10 in front of the home crowd Saturday to help the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 95-85 in a preseason game.

Yao plays 19 minutes in game in Beijing (AP)
Yao Ming played only 19 minutes while easing back from foot surgery, scoring nine points and delighting his home fans as the Houston Rockets defeated the New Jersey Nets 91-81 in a preseason game Wednesday. Yao was naturally the center of attention for the noisy, sellout crowd of 17,000 at Wukesong Arena -- the Beijing Olympics basketball venue -- even though he played sparingly and finished with...

Yao center of attention in Rockets' win in Beijing
Yao Ming played only 19 minutes while easing back from foot surgery, scoring nine points and delighting his home fans while helping the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 91-81 in a preseason game Wednesday.

Yao plays 19 minutes in game in Beijing (AP)

Yao Ming played only 19 minutes while easing back from foot surgery, scoring nine points and delighting his home fans while helping the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 91-81 in a preseason game Wednesday. Yao was naturally the center of attention for the noisy, sellout crowd of 17,000 at Wukesong Arena -- the Beijing Olympics basketball venue -- even though he played sparingly and...

Yao scores 10 in 12 minutes, Rockets win (AP)

Luis Scola scored 23 points, Aaron Brooks added nine of his 17 in Houston's big third quarter, and the Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 126-92 on Saturday night. The Rockets broke from a 57-54 halftime lead with an 18-8 run led by Brooks and Kevin Martin. Houston outscored the Pacers 33-15 in the third quarter and Indiana didn't score in the final 2:34 of the period.

Spurs top Rockets in preseason opener (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 21 points, backup center Jordan Hill added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat San Antonio 90-87 on Thursday night in the Spurs' preseason opener. Yao Ming scored five points on a 2-for-8 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots in 13 minutes. The Rockets are strictly limiting Yao's playing time as he comes back from foot surgery that sidelined him last...

Rockets' Yao plays 12 minutes in return (AP)
Orlando's star center was as good as ever. It's too soon to tell how Houston's will be after an extended absence. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds, Vince Carter added 14 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Houston Rockets 97-88 in their preseason opener on Tuesday night in a game where Yao Ming played just 12 minutes Yao played eight minutes in the first quarter and four in...

2010-11 Draft Prep: Southwest Division Preview
Teams like the Mavericks and Hornets could provide great production for Fantasy owners this season, while all eyes will be on Yao Ming's comeback. Seergio Gonzalez previews the Southwest Division for Draft Day.



Southwest Division - Sports - Yao Ming - Dallas Mavericks - Fantasy

Yao Ming not sure what to expect in return to Houston Rockets
Yao Ming said Friday that he's still not sure what to expect from himself this season after foot surgery in July 2009 sidelined him all of last year.

Yao not sure what to expect from himself (AP)
All-star center Yao Ming said Friday that he's still not sure what to expect from himself this season after foot surgery in July 2009 sidelined him all of last year. "After one year away, I keep telling myself, 'Be patient, be patient,"' Yao said, the day before the Houston Rockets open training camp.

Yao Ming will play no more than 24 minutes a game to reduce bone stress
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will not play more than 24 minutes a game next season in an attempt to limit stress on his bones, Rockets vice president and athletic trainer Keith Jones told the Houston Chronicle.

Greece beats Yao-less China at worlds (AP)
Nikolaos Zisis and Ioannis Bourousis both scored 21 points to lead Greece to an 89-81 victory over China in the opening Group C game at the world basketball championship on Saturday. Greece (1-0) led 47-37 at halftime, but China, playing without Houston Rockets center Yao Ming who is recovering from surgery on his left foot, got within 81-79 before Greece retook control in the final minutes.

Doctors clear Yao Ming for basketball activities
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is confident that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season after a team doctor said his surgically repaired foot has fully healed.

Yao cleared for basketball activities
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming is confident that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season after a team doctor said his surgically repaired foot has fully healed.

Houston Rockets to play two games against New Jersey Nets in China
The Houston Rockets will play two preseason games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country.

Yao, Rockets to play Nets in China (AP)
The Houston Rockets will play two exhibition games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country. The NBA announced Wednesday that the teams would play Oct. 13 in Beijing at the Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, then Oct. 16 at the new Guangzhou International Sports Arena.

Yao, Rockets to play China exhibitions
The Houston Rockets will play two exhibition games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country.

Rockets trade C Andersen to Raptors (AP)
The Houston Rockets have traded center David Andersen to Toronto for cash and a future second-round draft pick. The 6-foot-11 Australian averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 63 games last season, his first in the NBA. Andersen helped fill the void for Houston while Yao Ming sat out last season with a foot injury.

Yao: I may quit if foot doesn't heal (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is considering quitting basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his lingering foot injury. In comments to Chinese state media Monday, Yao sounded far from optimistic about his future and also made a rare criticism of China's national basketball program.

Yao: I may quit if foot doesn't heal
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is considering quitting basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his lingering foot injury.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he may retire if foot won't fully recover
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming says he may quit basketball after next season if he doesn't fully recover from his foot injury.

Yao coming back to Rockets next season (AP)
A person with knowledge of the decision says All-Star center Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets next season, accepting the player option in his contract. The person did not want to be identified because the team has made no official announcement. KRIV-TV in Houston first reported Yao's decision.

Report: Yao Ming of Houston Rockets says he won't opt out of contract
One player who won't be part of the monster free agent class of 2010: Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. As expected, Yao will not exercise the early termination clause in his contract, meaning he'll play at least one more season with the Rockets.

Report: Yao coming back to Rockets
A person with knowledge of the decision says All-Star center Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets next season, accepting the player option in his contract.

Yao's wife gives birth to baby girl (AP)
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming is now a father. The 2.26-meter (7-foot-6) Yao and his wife, Ye Li, had a baby girl on Friday at a Houston hospital, team spokesman Nelson Luis said. The couple, who married in August 2007, did not announce the baby's name. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. "I am very excited about the arrival of our daughter," Yao said in a statement.

Yao Ming, wife Ye Li welcome baby girl
Yao Ming is a father.

Yao sets up hotline for quake victims (AP)
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming has set up a hotline to help North American Chinese residents reach family and friends in China following a series of earthquakes there. The latest series of quakes struck Wednesday in a remote, mountainous Tibetan region. At least 589 people have been killed and more than 10,000 are injured.

Yao Ming sets up hotline for friends, family of Chinese earthquake victims
Yao Ming has set up a hotline to help Chinese residents in North America reach family and friends in China following a series of earthquakes there.

Yao's baby to be American or Chinese? (AP)

Chinese basketball fans want to know -- will Yao Ming's baby be an American? The Houston Rockets center recently returned to the United States with wife Ye Li. That prompted speculation among his followers that the baby girl due this summer could be born in America. Chinese fans online have said that would be a betrayal of China -- in part because it could deny the country a future star for the...

Debate in China: Will Yao Ming's baby be American?
Chinese basketball fans want to know -- will Yao Ming's baby be an American?

Bynum's big 4th lifts Lakers by Rockets (AP)

Pau Gasol is out injured, Kobe Bryant's finger was killing him and Andrew Bynum rose above it all in the post. Bynum scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory. Without injured Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets didn't have the size to contend with the...

Report: Yao, wife expecting first child
Houston Rockets star Yao Ming and his wife Ye Li are expecting their first child, a Chinese newspaper reported Tuesday.

Howard powers Magic past Rockets (AP)

Dwight Howard had 20 rebounds and 13 points, and the Orlando Magic rolled to an easy 102-87 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Howard outmuscled a Rockets team lacking size and strength in the middle with Yao Ming injured. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year blocked four shots and showed how dominant he can be even on a night he didn't have his best offensive game.

Yao recovering well, hopes to return next season
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming hopes to return to the NBA next season as he continues to recover from surgery on his left foot.

Yao Ming targets next season for NBA return
Yao Ming says he is recovering well after foot surgery and hopes to return to the NBA by next season.

Brooks, Landry power Rockets by Thunder (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, Carl Landry had 21 points and 10 rebounds after replacing injured Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-91 on Sunday night. Already without All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets lost Scola 22 seconds into the game when he was poked in the right eye by Oklahoma City's Etan Thomas.

Rockets ride ferry to game, top Warriors (AP)

Rick Adelman called his team out for being selfish and impatient. Then something clicked in the second half. The Houston Rockets are trying to find themselves without sidelined stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and Adelman realizes that will be a work in progress. Luis Scola scored 15 of his 21 points in the third quarter and grabbed 11 rebounds, Aaron Brooks had 18 points and 12 assists, and the...

Yao Ming says he will return to basketball, just not this season
Encouraged by progress in his recovery from major foot surgery, Yao Ming said Wednesday he will return to action -- just not next season.

Yao encouraged by recovery, won't play in '09-'10
Encouraged by progress in his recovery from major foot surgery, Yao Ming says he will return to action - just not next season. "The (X-ray) picture looks good. The bones heal well," he said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV on Wednesday. He also said, however, that there was no chance that he will play in the 2009-10 NBA season. "The answer is no. You don't want to rush it, because they want it to totally heal this time. I have been in this situation enough," he said.

Yao encouraged by progress of recovery (AP)
Encouraged by progress in his recovery from major foot surgery, Yao Ming said Wednesday he will return to action -- just not next season. "The (X-ray) picture looks good. The bones heal well," he said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV. He also said, however, that there is no chance that he will play in the 2009-10 NBA season.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming 'progressing well' from foot surgery
Yao Ming's return from foot surgery might come sooner than anyone expected.

David Andersen signs with Houston Rockets on multiyear contract
The Houston Rockets have signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract to help make up for the loss of Yao Ming.

Rockets ink Spanish League C Andersen (AP)
The Houston Rockets have signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract to help make up for the loss of Yao Ming. The Rockets acquired the rights to the 6-foot-11 Andersen in a trade with Atlanta on July 14. Houston scrambled to find a center after announcing in June that Yao was out indefinitely with a hairline fracture in his left foot.

Doctor: Yao's surgery goes 'according to plan'
Rockets center Yao Ming had surgery Tuesday to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming has surgery to repair broken foot
Yao Ming had surgery on Tuesday to repair his broken left foot.

Report: Yao undergoes surgery on broken foot
Yao Ming underwent surgery Tuesday in an effort to fix his broken foot and rescue his NBA career, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Yao to have foot surgery, might miss full season
Rockets center Yao Ming will have surgery on his broken left foot next week and the team said Friday that the seven-time All-Star may not be available until the 2010-11 season. The 7-foot-6 Yao chose a surgery that will involve a bone graft to promote bone regeneration, the team said. He's also hoping to reduce the arch in the foot by realigning and restructuring the bones. The team would not say definitively if Yao would miss all of next season.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming opts for major surgery on fractured foot with hopes on return
Rockets center Yao Ming has elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that almost certainly eliminates his chances of playing next season.

Yao to have foot surgery, might be out until '10-'11
Rockets center Yao Ming will have surgery on his broken left foot next week and the team said Friday that the seven-time All-Star may not be available until the 2010-11 season. The 7-foot-6 Yao chose a surgery that will involve a bone graft to promote bone regeneration, the team said. He's also hoping to reduce the arch in the foot by realigning and restructuring the bones. The team would not say definitively if Yao would miss all of next season.

VIDEO: Hill: Silver lining for Yao?
Yao Ming is likely to miss next season after opting for foot surgery. That's not good news, but Randy Hill tries to look on the bright side.

Yao: I'm buying Chinese team, not retiring
Yao Ming says his purchase of his former team, the financially troubled Shanghai Sharks, was motivated by a desire to help the club that jump-started his career rather than by early retirement plans. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, currently sidelined with a foot injury, signed an agreement this week to purchase all of the shares of the Sharks team for an undisclosed amount of money.

Yao: Buying team doesn't mean retirement (AP)
Yao Ming says his purchase of his former team, the financially troubled Shanghai Sharks, was motivated by a desire to help the club that jump-started his career rather than by early retirement plans. The 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center, currently sidelined with a foot injury, signed an agreement this week to purchase all of the shares of the Sharks team for an undisclosed amount of money.

Yao Ming buys cash-strapped former Chinese team
Yao Ming has bought his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks.

Yao Ming of Houston Rockets gets NBA injury exception
The Houston Rockets are still hoping Yao Ming returns next season, but they have been able to cash in on his injury.

Yao's injury helped Rockets land Ariza (AP)
The Houston Rockets are still hoping Yao Ming returns next season, but they have been able to cash in on his injury. The Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA a few weeks ago, betting that their All-Star center will miss next season with a hairline fracture in his left foot. The NBA agreed that Yao's return is unlikely, freeing up about $5.7 million that the Rockets used...

Sources: Yao Ming has info, to decide treatment soon
Sources say Yao Ming has gathered information on his treatment options for a broken foot and will decide a course in the next few days.

Yao still consulting with doctors (AP)
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The playing future of the 7-foot-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming will wait a week before deciding on foot surgery
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot.

Yao will wait week before surgery decision
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The future of 7-foot-6 (226-centimeter) Yao are in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out of all of next season, and potentially end his career. "It hasn't been decided yet," Yao's agent, Eric Zhang, told The Associated Press on Friday.

Houston Rockets face questions on Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest
The Rockets are still planning on building around Yao Ming, but many questions remain.

Rockets heavily pursue Magic C Marcin Gortat
The Houston Rockets launched an all-out bid to sign Polish center Marcin Gortat on Wednesday, including an offer for the Orlando Magic backup player. With the future of star Yao Ming uncertain, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight local time, virtually the minute that NBA teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

Rockets keeping quiet about Yao's injury (AP)
On the eve of the NBA draft, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that the franchise was still determined to build around All-Star center Yao Ming. "He's the cornerstone of the team," Morey said. A few days later, the future of the team and the All-Star center from China have suddenly been thrown into question amid ominous reports from the team doctor that the hairline...

Yao's injury may hasten Houston's downfall
Yao Ming's foot injury is now considered "career-threatening." If so, the Rockets don't have a bright future either, Charley Rosen says.

Yao's 31 lift Rockets by Nuggets 115-113 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 31 points, Rafer Alston added 18 points and 11 assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 115-113 on Monday afternoon. Denver's Kenyon Martin missed two foul shots with 2.6 seconds left, and Yao rebounded to clinch the win. Von Wafer had 18 and Luis Scola 16 for the Rockets, who have won five of their last six games and four of five since Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady...

Yao goes 12-for-12 as Rockets down Heat (AP)

Yao Ming set a Houston record by going 12-for-12 from the field, and finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the Rockets' 93-86 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Rafer Alston added a season-high 22 points to help the Rockets improve to 2-1 since Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest were shelved to recover from injuries.

Rockets top Knicks without T-Mac, Artest (AP)

Luis Scola had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Rafer Alston added 17 points and six assists and the undermanned Houston Rockets took advantage of New York's poor shooting to beat the Knicks 96-76 on Saturday night. Aaron Brooks scored 16 points, Von Wafer had 15 and Yao Ming 14 for the Rockets, who played without Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.

Rockets send Celts to 6th loss in last 8 (AP)

Now the Celtics are losing at home, too. Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead and the Rockets beat Boston 89-85 on Wednesday night. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak.

Iguodala's 28 carry 76ers over Rockets (AP)

Andre Iguodala scored 28 points and the reeling Philadelphia 76ers returned home from a dreadful road trip to beat the Houston Rockets 104-96 on Tuesday night. The Sixers needed to escape the Lone Star State to finally defeat a team from Texas. They lost at Dallas and San Antonio in the final two games of a 1-5 road trip and had lost five of seven overall, parking them in last place in the Atlantic...

Bibby's 3 lifts Hawks by Rockets 103-100 (AP)

Mike Bibby made a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining, and Josh Smith scored a season-high 29 points in the Atlanta Hawks' 103-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Joe Johnson had a season-high 14 assists, the last when he drove from the perimeter and into the left side of the lane before passing to Bibby for the winner.

Raptors snap 3-game skid, beat Rockets (AP)

Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani each scored 19 points and the Toronto Raptors snapped a three-game losing streak with a 94-73 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Toronto, which had lost 13 of its last 17 games and four straight at home, held Houston to a season low in points. The Rockets' previous low was Nov.

Yao, Scola lead Rockets over Bucks 85-81 (AP)

Yao Ming had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Luis Scola added 11 points and 10 boards, and the Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 85-81 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest had 15 points and reserve Carl Landry added 14 as the Rockets beat the Bucks for the eighth straight time, bouncing back from an embarrassing loss to Washington on Monday.

Rockets sign Mutombo, 42, for rest of season
The Houston Rockets have re-signed 42-year-old center Dikembe Mutombo for the rest of the season. The move gives the Rockets an emotional leader and a backup to Yao Ming.

Rockets outlast Jazz 120-115 in 2OT (AP)

The Houston Rockets acquired Ron Artest to win games like this. Artest scored 10 of his 28 points in the second overtime and the Rockets recovered from blowing a 16-point lead in the second half to beat the Utah Jazz 120-115 on Saturday night. Yao Ming had 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who led 59-43 early in the third quarter, then went 3-for-18 from the field in the fourth to...

Paul's 26 and 10 lift Hornets by Rockets (AP)

Chris Paul had 26 points and 10 assists, and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a two-game skid with an 88-79 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. David West added 23 points for New Orleans, which led throughout. Tyson Chandler has 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Rasual Butler scored 13 for the Hornets.

Yao outplays Yi as Rockets beat Nets (AP)

While Yao Ming won the showdown with fellow Chinese Olympian Yi Jianlian, the smallest player on the court stole the show from the 7-footers. Yao had 24 points and 16 rebounds and Aaron Brooks tied his career-high with 22 points as the Houston Rockets won their season-high fourth straight game with a 114-91 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night in a game that was televised live to...

Yao scores 30 to lead Rockets past Kings (AP)

Yao Ming scored 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Luis Scola earned his seventh double-double of the season and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 107-96 on Friday night. Scola matched a season high with 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Tracy McGrady scored 18 and Carl Landry added 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won six straight at home.

McGrady's triple-double carries Rockets (AP)

Tracy McGrady notched his fourth career triple-double and first this season, Yao Ming scored 32 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 108-96 on Tuesday night. McGrady had 20 points and reached season highs in rebounds (14) and assists (10) for his first triple-double since last December.

McGrady returns, leads Rockets to win (AP)

Tracy McGrady just missed a triple-double in his return to the court, Yao Ming had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 119-108 Friday night. McGrady, who missed the last seven games with soreness in his left knee, had 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Rockets improved to 15-8, their best record after 23 games since the 1996-97 team started...

Yao has 24 and 19 as Rockets beat Hawks (AP)

Yao Ming scored 24 points and grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-84 on Tuesday night. Luis Scola added 12 points and 10 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 19 and the Rockets outrebounded Atlanta 57-40 to hand the Hawks their 10th consecutive loss in Houston.

Grizzlies start fast, hold off Rockets (AP)

Rudy Gay scored 20 points, Hakim Warrick and O.J. Mayo added 18 points apiece and the Memphis Grizzlies won their second straight at home, 109-97 over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Memphis made its first six 3-pointers to build an early lead and shot 51 percent overall. Gay, who did not start after arriving late for the shootaround, made eight of 14 shots and Mayo was 7-of-13.

Yao scores 33 as Rockets beat Warriors (AP)

Yao Ming scored 19 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, and Ron Artest added 28 points to help the Houston Rockets beat Golden State 131-112 on Friday night. Yao also had 14 rebounds and five assists. Rafer Alston and Von Wafer scored 18 points apiece and the Rockets went 13-of-21 from 3-point range to hand the Warriors their eighth straight loss.

Yao, Alston lead Rockets past Clippers (AP)
Yao Ming had 24 points, Rafer Alston sank five 3-pointers and added 21, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-96 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest scored 19 points and Yao grabbed 10 rebounds and went 12-for-13 from the free throw line for the Rockets, who played their fourth straight game without Tracy McGrady.

McGrady-less Rockets beat Spurs 103-84 (AP)

Luther Head scored 21 points in place of the injured Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets used balanced scoring to beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-84 on Saturday night. Ron Artest added 16 points and eight rebounds, Yao Ming and Rafer Alston scored 12 points apiece and Luis Scola added 11 for Houston, which had all five starters in double-figures for just the second time this season.

Down 10 in 4th, Pacers top Rockets 91-90 (AP)

Danny Granger tipped in his own miss with 13 seconds left and the Indiana Pacers rallied from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Houston Rockets 91-90 on Wednesday night. Troy Murphy scored 14 of his 21 points in the final quarter as the Pacers snapped a three-game losing streak in Houston.

Rockets complete 3-0 trip, beat Heat (AP)

Yao Ming scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 20 and the Houston Rockets finished off a perfect three-game road trip against the Eastern Conference with an 107-98 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night. Rafer Alston added 14 points for Houston, which finished with six players in double figures and outrebounded Miami 51-35.

Rockets snap Magic's 5-game win streak (AP)

Dwight Howard might be regarded as the best center in the NBA by the end of this season, but Yao Ming let him know that debate still has a ways to go before it's settled. Yao, Houston's 7-foot-6 All-Star, outplayed Howard in nearly every phase Saturday night, scoring 22 points and taking down 13 rebounds while carrying a tired Houston Rocket team to a 100-95 victory over Howard and the Orlando...

McGrady scores 14 in 4th as Rockets win (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Yao Ming added 18 to win a battle of awesome wingspans, and the Houston Rockets added to the Washington Wizards' misery with a 103-91 victory Friday night. Quiet for most of the game, McGrady hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 9-0 run that wiped out a nine-point deficit and tied it with 7 minutes to play.

Howard-less Mavs beat banged-up Rockets (AP)

The way Jason Terry was shooting, the Dallas Mavericks hardly needed Josh Howard on Wednesday night. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, sorely missed Yao Ming. Terry scored 31 points, and Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Mavericks' 96-86 victory over the Rockets. Howard, the Mavs' second-leading scorer, was inactive because of a left ankle injury.

Sore foot sidelines Yao for Rockets-Mavs contest
Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out Wednesday's game with a sore left foot.

Yao out with sore foot
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with a sore left foot. The team said Yao is being held out "for precautionary reasons" after leaving Monday's game at Oklahoma City with an apparent left ankle injury. Yao underwent tests on Tuesday that revealed no structural damage. Yao broke his left foot last February and missed the final 26 games of the regular season. He had surgery and said he was fully recovered when training camp began.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/458956736" height="1" width="1"/

T-Mac practices day after re-injuring knee
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.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/457757518" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets overcome McGrady's injury in win (AP)

Luis Scola scored 23 points, Yao Ming added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets made a second-half surge without injured seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-89 on Monday night. McGrady left the game in the opening minute of the second half after aggravating his surgically repaired left knee, but the Rockets were still able to mount a 14-3 run...

Rockets stifle Paul to top Hornets 91-82 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Houston Rockets bottled up Chris Paul in a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Paul, who came in averaging 22 points, went 2-for-10 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line to score 12.

Down 14 in 4th, Spurs top Rockets 77-75 (AP)

Tim Duncan scored 22 points and blocked Aaron Brooks' layup with a second left in the San Antonio Spurs' 77-75 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Rookie George Hill, playing in place of Tony Parker at point guard for the Spurs, added 17 points to help San Antonio -- down 14 points with 7:37 to go -- improve to 3-5.

Rockets win game marked by skirmish (AP)

Tracy McGrady snapped out of a slump to score 22 of his 27 points in the second half Wednesday night, and the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 94-82 in a game that featured a scoring landmark for Shaquille O'Neal and a skirmish that drew two ejections and seven technical fouls. McGrady, 1-for-16 shooting in his previous two games, made 11 of 18 shots, going 9-of-14 in the second half as the...

Allen's 29 help Celts hold off Rockets (AP)
Boston's Big 3 outplayed Houston's trio of stars Tuesday night. Ray Allen scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics shut down Ron Artest and Yao Ming in a 103-99 victory over the Rockets. Tracy McGrady scored 26 points for Houston and tried to rally the Rockets (3-1) down the stretch against the defending NBA champions.

McGrady, Yao help Rockets move to 3-0 (AP)
Tracy McGrady had 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 89-77 on Saturday night for their third straight win. Carl Landry had 14 points and a career-high tying 11 rebounds for Houston. Ron Artest, Luis Scola and Rafer Alston added 10 points apiece. Houston wasn't sharp offensively, shooting just 36 percent, but led almost the entire way with excellent...

Should Artest be Rockets' main man?
Even with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets might be better off with Ron Artest as their main man, Charley Rosen says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/437829035" height="1" width="1"/

Carlisle loses Mavs debut as Rockets win (AP)
Yao Ming and Ron Artest powered a 16-2 run late in the fourth quarter, carrying the Houston Rockets to a 112-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night in the debut of new Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. Yao finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Artest scored 29 points. He had seven points in the decisive run, which began with the game tied at 92.

Yao scores 21, Artest 16 as Rockets win (AP)
Since acquiring Ron Artest in the offseason, the Houston Rockets have talked boldly about contending for the NBA championship. They have plenty of improvements to make before that happens. Yao Ming had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Artest added 16 in his Houston debut, and the Rockets overcame poor shooting to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-71 on Wednesday night.

Rockets prepare for a title run (AP)
The Houston Rockets want to be this season's Boston Celtics. Like Boston last season, the Rockets assembled a "Big Three" of their own by acquiring Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Artest, who averaged 20.5 points with Sacramento last season, adds toughness, versatility and a third scoring option the Rockets have lacked since McGrady arrived in 2004.

Artest helps Rockets beat Kings 95-90 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 15 points, Ron Artest added 13 in his first game against his former team and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 95-90 in a preseason game on Friday night. Yao played 27 minutes before twisting his right ankle and leaving for good with 3:07 left in the third quarter. The Rockets said the injury was minor, but coach Rick Adelman didn't take any chances with the All-Star...

Rockets beat short-handed Spurs (AP)

Ron Artest had 18 points and five rebounds and Luis Scola added 13 points as the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 85-78 on Thursday night. Yao Ming scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in two quarters for the Rockets, while Tracy McGrady was in uniform, but did not play because of a sore left knee.

Artest scores 15 in Rockets' debut (AP)

Ron Artest scored 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter of his Houston debut and the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-93 in the preseason opener on Tuesday night. Tracy McGrady sat out to rest his sore left knee. The Rockets star had offseason surgery to remove loose tissue in the knee and said last week that it was healing slower than expected.

Rockets center Yao looking to keep health in check
Yao Ming's birthday wish: getting through an NBA season without getting hurt.

Will injured stars be able to shine again?
The Rockets' destiny depends largely on Yao Ming's rehab. They're not the only team wishing on a star. Dr. Rosen breaks it down.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/390781598" height="1" width="1"/

Yao lifts host China to first hoops win (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming scored 30 points to lead China to an 85-68 win against Angola Thursday, giving the Olympic hosts their first victory of the Summer Games in men's basketball. Using an overwhelming height advantage, China dominated under basket and exploited frequently sloppy play by the African champions for easy baskets.

Team USA pulls away from China in opener
Team USA squashed the host country's hopes for an upset, pulling away from Yao Ming and China in their Olympic opener.

Kobe, LeBron, Yao highlight US-China (AP)
Between Yao Ming's return and President Bush's arrival, this might be the only Olympic basketball game in which the guys wearing red, white and blue have to cede the spotlight. The United States begins the tournament Sunday night against host China, a game that figures to have a lopsided result but should feature an atmosphere that rivals a Super Bowl or any other championship match.

Yao, Nowitzki to carry flags during Games opening
Chinese basketball player Yao Ming will carry the host nation's flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on Friday, the deputy head of China's team said on Thursday.

Yao apologizes for comments about Artest's past
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston.

Yao ends rift, welcomes Artest to Rockets
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player - likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Yao now welcoming Artest to Rockets (AP)
BEIJING (STATS) -- Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Artest moves to clear air with Yao, diffuse tension
Ron Artest tried to diffuse his first Rockets controversy Thursday, insisting that there will be no tension with Yao Ming.

Aussies hold Yao to 14 in Games warmup win
Yao Ming was held to 14 points and the rest of China's team was overwhelmed by dogged Australia defense in a 67-55 loss Wednesday in a pre-Olympic warmup.

Yao held to 14, China falls to Australia (AP)
Yao Ming was held to 14 points and the rest of China's team was overwhelmed by dogged Australia defense in a 67-55 loss Wednesday in a pre-Olympic warmup. The Houston Rockets center was 5-for-8 from the field in 30 minutes. Yao had few touches as Australia forcing 25 turnovers. "We have a lot to improve on in a short time, but we will do our best," Yao said.

Yao plays, scores 21 for China in Games tuneup
Yao Ming scored 21 points in 28 minutes to lead China past Angola 83-74 Tuesday, another step in his return from injury with less than two weeks until the Olympics.

Reports: Rockets to acquire Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Report: Rockets to get Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Yao rusty in return to action for China
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming played in his first game in almost six months Thursday, joining China's national team in an Olympics warmup against Serbia. Entering to huge applause from the crowd in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Yao appeared rusty in scoring six points over seven minutes in the first half. Four of those came from free throws, helping China race to a 51-39 lead after the second quarter.

Yao returns to action in Games tune-up for China
Yao Ming gave China's Olympic basketball hopes a boost when he returned to action on Thursday for the first time since his March foot operation.

Report: Yao Ming return likely this week
Chinese newspapers say Yao Ming is likely to resume working out with China's national basketball team later this week. The Houston Rockets' center has a "very high" chance of playing in China's three games at the Stankovic Cup Olympic warmup tournament in the eastern city of Hangzhou, Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the Chinese Basketball Association was quoted as saying by newspapers. China's first game is against Serbia on Thursday.

Official: Yao might play in pre-Beijing tournament
China's Yao Ming is likely to play his first competitive game since having surgery on his foot in March at this week's Stankovic Cup pre-Beijing Olympic basketball tournament, local media reported on Tuesday.

Yao set to join Chinese Olympic team workouts
Yao Ming will return to light training with China's national team Friday, and expects to play in pre-Olympic warmup games. The fitness of the Houston Rockets center for the Beijing Olympics has been a subject of national concern in China since he suffered a stress fracture to his left foot in February, ending his NBA season and threatening his star turn as part of China's team at the games.

Yao to resume workouts for Team China on Friday
Yao Ming will return to light training with China's national team Friday, and expects to play in pre-Olympic warmup games.

No decision yet on whether Yao will play in July
A top official of China's national basketball team says no decision has been made as to whether Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will play in an Olympic warm-up tournament next month.

Reports: Yao to return from surgery, play in July
Yao Ming, China's most popular sportsman, will make his return from foot surgery to play for his country against Iran in next month's Stankovic Cup, local media has reported.

Yao to give $2M to Chinese earthquake victims
Yao Ming said he will donate $2 million and create a foundation to rebuild Chinese schools devastated by last month's earthquake in his home country.

Yao still shaken by China's earthquake tragedy
Yao Ming wakes up each morning and immediately heads for the computer to get the latest on the earthquake that devastated China.

Yao shaken by China's earthquake tragedy
Yao Ming wakes up each morning and immediately heads for the computer to get the latest on the earthquake that devastated China. The Houston Rockets All-Star center and China's most recognizable athlete awoke Sunday to more bad news: a powerful aftershock had killed one person and destroyed 70,000 homes. "Every day the number is going up. This morning it was over 62,000 people killed," Yao said. "We are very sad for the people we have lost in the earthquake.

Yao shaken by China's earthquake tragedy (AP)

Yao Ming wakes up each morning and immediately heads for the computer to get the latest on the earthquake that devastated China. The Houston Rockets All-Star center and China's most recognizable athlete awoke Sunday to more bad news: a powerful aftershock had killed one person and destroyed 70,000 homes.

Rockets' Yao 'saddened' by earthquake in China
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming said he was "saddened" by news of Monday's massive earthquake in China, calling it a "dark and emotional" time for his country.

Yao 'saddened' by China earthquake (AP)
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming said he was "saddened" by news of Monday's massive earthquake in China, calling it a "dark and emotional" time for his country. The epicenter of the magnitude 7.9 quake was in the central Sichuan province. Officials said Tuesday the death toll was about 15,000 and expected to climb.

Yao wants Chinese team to get into quarterfinals
The Olympics are still three months away, and already Yao Ming is trying to work the officials.

Rockets looking for answers vs. Jazz (AP)
Yao Ming walked toward the Houston Rockets' locker room and was asked if he was ready to play Monday in Game 2 against Utah. "That's a secret," Yao said with a smile. If only the Rockets could spring a surprise like that. The cold reality for Houston is that Yao is nowhere near ready to play and is still facing a long recovery from a broken left foot.

Jazz win Game 1 in Houston, 93-82 (AP)
Yao Ming walked toward the Houston Rockets' locker room and was asked if he was ready to play Monday in Game 2 against Utah. "That's a secret," Yao said with a smile. If only the Rockets could spring a surprise like that. The cold reality for Houston is that Yao is nowhere near ready to play and is still facing a long recovery from a broken left foot.

Yao consults traditional Chinese medicine for foot
Rockets center Yao Ming is back in China to consult with traditional medicine practitioners over his NBA season-ending foot injury.

Ming seeks traditional cure to heal foot injury
Yao Ming will seek traditional Chinese medicine to help heal a stress fracture after opting for surgery last month. The Houston Rockets center was back in China to consult with traditional medicine practitioners about his NBA season-ending foot injury. Yao said Friday he also plans to see players on the Chinese national team and talk with coach Jonas Kazlauskas about strategy for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Yao tells fans he'll be ready for Beijing Olympics
Yao Ming's message to his Chinese fans was clear: He plans to play in the Beijing Olympics.

Yao tells Chinese fans he's targeting Olympic return
Yao Ming's message to his Chinese fans was clear: He plans to play in the Beijing Olympics. In a letter published Friday in Chinese-language newspapers, the Houston Rockets star assured fans that his operation Monday to repair a stress fracture in his left foot was successful and he'll be fit to play in August despite missing the rest of the NBA season. "My injury has made many of you worried and you expressed your concern and sympathy in many ways," Yao wrote.

Rockets win team-record 16th straight (AP)

The Houston Rockets made history Wednesday night. Now they can go back to trying to make the playoffs. Tracy McGrady scored 25 points and the Houston Rockets won their franchise-record 16th game, beating Indiana 117-99. The Rockets are 4-0 since losing Yao Ming for the season with a stress fracture in his foot and have won 20 of their last 21 games, and own the longest winning streak in the NBA this...

Rockets' Yao to use traditional Chinese medicine
Chinese officials are hoping to speed NBA star Yao Ming's recovery with a secret remedy -- traditional Chinese medicine.

Yao-less Rockets have win streak at 15 (AP)
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston looked around the Toyota Center when Yao Ming went out with a broken foot and saw nothing but long faces on fans and arena employees. "The atmosphere in the building that day, it felt like there was a funeral going on," he said. "Everybody just thought the season was over." Inside the locker room, the vibe was different.

Yao undergoes successful foot surgery
Yao Ming underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot on Monday. Houston Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton and Dr. Bill McGarvey performed the surgery on the All-Star center Monday morning. "Yao is comfortable and recovering well after surgery," Clanton said in a news release. "We will continue to monitor his recovery and begin an aggressive rehabilitation once he is physically deemed ready.

Yao has successful surgery on injured left foot
Yao Ming underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot on Monday.

Yao to have surgery Monday
Yao Ming will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, Houston Rockets officials said Saturday.

Yao opts for surgery to repair stress fracture in foot
Yao Ming will have surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, Houston Rockets officials said Saturday. The surgery will be performed Monday in Houston by Rockets team doctor Tom Clanton. The team announced the All-Star center's injury on Tuesday and said he would get a second opinion before deciding whether to have the surgery. Clanton said last week that the surgery would involve placing screws across the bone to hold it together with a recovery time of about four months.

In The Paint: Rockets to launch?
Losing Yao Ming certainly puts a dent in the Rockets' title hopes. Can they still make the playoffs? Marques Johnson dishes.

Courtside Seat: Ya-ouch Ming
For the third consecutive season Yao Ming has broken down. Our Jamey Eisenberg wonders how much you should invest in him in Fantasy going forward.

Reports: Yao done for season with foot fracture
Yao Ming's season reportedly is over.

Rockets to discuss Yao's injury Tuesday (AP)
The Houston Rockets have scheduled a news conference to discuss center Yao Ming's injured left foot. The Houston Chronicle and television station KRIV reported he has a stress fracture in his left foot and may be out for the season. The news conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Yao is averaging 22 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Rockets, who have won 12 straight games.

Minus Yao, Rockets win 13th straight (AP)

In their first game without Yao Ming, Luther Head had 18 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 94-69 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night for their 13th straight victory. Yao is out for the season with a stress fracture in his left foot. The Rockets didn't seem to miss their All-Star center, jumping to a 7-0 lead and never trailing as they coasted to their 17th win in the last 18...

Yao's injury raises questions for Rockets' future
The Rockets were cruising. Now Yao Ming is out. With the window starting to shut, Randy Hill says a big trade may be needed.

Yao powers Rockets to 11th straight win (AP)

The Houston Rockets' winning streak just got a whole lot more impressive. Yao Ming had 28 points and 14 rebounds, and the Rockets won their 11th straight game, 100-80 over the Western Conference-leading New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. "We talked about making a statement," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman, whose team also set a franchise record with 10 consecutive road victories.

Rockets top Heat for 10th straight win (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 23 points, Yao Ming added 21 and the Houston Rockets won their 10th straight game, a 112-100 victory over Miami on Thursday night that sent the Heat to their 10th straight loss. Houston has won 14 of its last 15 games and the winning streak is its longest since the championship season of 1993-94 when the team opened with 15 straight.

Rockets extend road win streak to 9 (AP)

Shane Battier chuckled before revealing Houston's defensive game plan to stop LeBron James. "Well, we hoped he had a good time in New Orleans," Battier said. It was the Rockets, though, who gave James the headache. Rafer Alston scored 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston tied a team record Tuesday night with its ninth straight road win, 93-85 over the Cleveland Cavaliers,...

Alston, Rockets pick up seventh straight (AP)

The Houston Rockets are riding their longest winning streak in three years -- and that's what it's taken to get them into playoff contention. Yao Ming had 25 points and seven rebounds as the Rockets beat the Trail Blazers 95-83 for their seventh straight win. Rafer Alston scored 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter, when the Rockets began to stretch their lead over the team right behind them in...

Yao, Rockets roll to sixth straight win (AP)
In the tightly packed Western Conference, the Houston Rockets know they can't afford to drop home games to teams with losing records. They left nothing to chance against Atlanta on Saturday night and continued their surge into playoff contention. Yao Ming had 28 points and nine rebounds, and the Rockets routed the Hawks 108-89 for their 10th win in 11 games.

Yao lifts Rockets past Cavaliers 92-77 (AP)

Yao Ming had 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Houston Rockets overcame a poor night from ailing All-Star Tracy McGrady to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-77 on Thursday night. Rafer Alston had 17 points and nine assists and Shane Battier had 15 points for the Rockets, who've won nine of their last 10.

Yao's Rockets get better of Yi's Bucks (AP)

The second edition of Yao vs. Yi didn't quite live up to its billing, as Yao Ming's Houston Rockets beat Yi Jianlian and the Milwaukee Bucks 91-83 on Saturday despite relatively quiet nights by both of China's biggest basketball exports. Yao scored 12 points and added 12 rebounds for Houston, sitting for much of the first half after getting in early foul trouble and tweaking his ankle just before...

Rockets earn sixth straight road win (AP)

Rookie Carl Landry scored 13 of his career-high 22 points in the fourth quarter, and the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 106-103 on Friday night for their sixth straight road victory. Tracy McGrady had 19 points, Yao Ming added 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Shane Battier scored 13 points for Houston (26-20).

Yao's 36 points, 8 boards lift Rockets (AP)

Yao Ming scored eight of his 36 points in the final 2 1/2 minutes and had 19 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets hold on to beat the Golden State Warriors 111-107 on Tuesday night. Rafer Alston had 17 points and a season-high 12 assists as the Rockets overcame the absence of Tracy McGrady to win for the fifth time in six games and snap a four-game losing streak to the Warriors.

Jazz exploit Yao-less Rockets (AP)

Deron Williams had 17 points and 12 assists, Kyle Korver added 17 points, including two late 3-pointers, and the Utah Jazz took advantage of Yao Ming's absence to beat the Houston Rockets 97-89 on Sunday night. Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference in next month's All-Star game, sat out with an upper respiratory infection, the first game he's missed this season.

Yao sits out Rockets' game against Utah
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection. The 7-foot-6 Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference for the All-Star game on Feb. 17, told team officials he felt sick when he arrived at the Toyota Center for a workout on Sunday morning, coach Rick Adelman said. "The doctors looked at him and they don't think it's worth the chance," Adelman said. "We'll just have to move on." Yao, leading the Rockets with 22.

Yao sits against Jazz with respiratory infection
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection.

Yao sits out Rockets' game against Jazz (AP)
Houston center Yao Ming sat out the Rockets' game Sunday against Utah with an upper respiratory infection. The 7-foot-6 Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference for the All-Star game on Feb. 17, told team officials he felt sick when he arrived at the Toyota Center for a workout on Sunday morning, coach Rick Adelman said.

McGrady helps extend Sonics' skid to 12 (AP)

Kevin Durant wants to eventually model his game after Tracy McGrady. Durant got a view Wednesday night of just how good McGrady is, even with a gimpy leg. Nursing a left knee injury, McGrady put together a second half that showed even with one good leg he's still one of the best in the game. McGrady scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half and took over in the final 90 seconds, both scoring and...

Rockets hand Sonics 11th straight loss (AP)
Yao Ming had 30 points and 17 rebounds, Tracy McGrady added 17 points and five assists and the Houston Rockets beat Seattle 96-89 on Monday, the SuperSonics' team-record 11th consecutive loss. Bonzi Wells scored 16 points for the Rockets, who've won seven of their last nine games. Wally Szczerbiak and Jeff Green had 15 points apiece for Seattle, now riding the longest single-season losing streak in...

Rockets beat Spurs as McGrady returns (AP)

Tracy McGrady returned and the Houston Rockets held on to a fourth-quarter lead against the defending NBA champions on Saturday night. Maybe the Rockets' season isn't slipping away just yet. Yao Ming had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston beat San Antonio 83-81, the Spurs' fourth loss in six games.

Rockets win fifth straight without T-Mac (AP)

Tracy McGrady took another night off, Yao Ming barely broke a sweat and the Houston Rockets still easily handled the Minnesota Timberwolves. Luis Scola had 22 points and nine rebounds and rookie Carl Landry had 15 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs, as the Rockets beat Minnesota 113-82 on Friday night to win for the seventh time in the nine games McGrady has missed with a left knee injury.

Rockets win after Knicks coach ejected (AP)

Yao Ming scored 36 points, and the Houston Rockets got big final quarters from Rafer Alston and Luis Scola to beat the New York Knicks 101-92 Wednesday night for their season-high fourth straight victory. Alston added 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Rockets, who seized control immediately after Knicks coach Isiah Thomas was ejected in the opening minute of the final quarter when...

Rockets win again without McGrady, 92-84 (AP)

Still unsure when they'll get Tracy McGrady back, the Houston Rockets are doing just fine without him right now. Luther Head's season-high 24 points and Rafer Alston's double-double Tuesday night led Houston past the Washington Wizards 92-84, the Rockets' third consecutive victory. Alston finished with 15 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Yao Ming scored 21 points for Houston, which is 5-2...

Yao leads Rockets past struggling Knicks (AP)

Yao Ming scored 30 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists and the Houston Rockets won for the fourth time in six games without Tracy McGrady, beating the New York Knicks 103-91 on Saturday night. Rookie point guard Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 22 for the Rockets, who've won six straight meetings with the Knicks.

Alston's layup, close call lift Rockets (AP)

Rafer Alston scored 20 points, including the game-winning layup with 4 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets narrowly escaped Orlando with a 96-94 victory over the Magic on Friday night. Orlando appeared to tie the game at 96 with Adonal Foyle's tip-in at the buzzer, but officials said he didn't get the shot off in time.

Yao carries Rockets past Raptors 91-79 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 91-79 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. Rafer Alston added 18 points, and Bonzi Wells had 13 points and 11 rebounds as Houston won its second straight and third in four games.

Yao leads McGrady-less Rockets to win (AP)

Even without Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets were able to easily take care of the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. For the first time this season, the Rockets won without having one of their regular starters in the lineup as Yao scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked five shots, and Luis Scola scored a caree-high 22 points in a 103-83 victory over Memphis on Friday night.

Rockets' McGrady, Yao injured in loss (AP)

Richard Hamilton scored 17 points and Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace added double-doubles, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the shorthanded Houston Rockets 94-82 Sunday night. The Rockets started the night near full strength, but their two stars both left with injuries. Tracy McGrady didn't come out for the second half after aggravating a sore knee, while Yao Ming missed most of the second...

McGrady, Yao leave injured vs. Detroit
The Houston Rockets lost Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to injuries during Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady left at halftime after aggravating his sore left knee, and Yao left after getting cut in the face. A team spokesman said McGrady would not return, but Yao's status was uncertain. McGrady left Houston's Dec. 19 loss to Orlando after injuring the knee, and missed a loss at Denver the next day.

McGrady returns, leads Rockets by Bulls (AP)

Tracy McGrady returned to the Houston lineup and had 20 points and eight assists to lead the Rockets to a 116-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Yao Ming had 18 points and eight rebounds but sprained his right thumb in the third quarter. X-rays were negative, and Yao retuned in the fourth quarter.

Rockets' Battier hurt after taking elbow
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier left Saturday night's game against Dallas after getting elbowed in the head by Dirk Nowitzki, a blow that opened a bloody gash. The two were going after a miss by Yao Ming late in the first quarter. Battier went straight to the bench after taking the hit and grabbed a towel as blood spilled on the floor. Trainer Keith Jones walked Battier to the locker room. Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said Battier was getting stitches.

Rockets win despite poor foul shooting (AP)

As long as the Houston Rockets avoided the free-throw line on Wednesday night, they did just fine against the Detroit Pistons. Tracy McGrady scored 29 points and Yao Ming added 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Rockets nearly entered the NBA record book for foul-shot futility before beating the Pistons 80-77.

Bosh returns, leads Raptors over Rockets (AP)

Chris Bosh had 21 points and 10 rebounds in his return to the Toronto lineup and the Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 93-80 Sunday. Kris Humphries added 16 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, for Toronto. Carlos Delfino had 12 points, Anthony Parker added 11 and Jason Kapono 10. Former Raptor Tracy McGrady had 23 for Houston, while Yao Ming scored 15 and Bonzi Wells had 12.

Kidd back, but Nets lose at home again (AP)

The Houston Rockets jumped out early, then talked afterward about how well they responded to New Jersey's run. What run? Yao Ming had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Tracy McGrady added 24 points, and the Rockets never trailed in a 96-89 victory over the Nets on Friday night. The game was never really in doubt after the first 10 minutes.

McGrady, Yao lead Rockets over Grizzlies (AP)

Tracy McGrady had his third career triple-double and Yao Ming had 24 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 105-92 on Wednesday night. McGrady, who was cold shooting from the field early, finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Reserve Bonzi Wells added a season-high 24 for Houston, which has won four of six since losing six straight.

Courtside Seat: Looking for a third
Our Jamey Eisenberg profiles the Rockets under new coach Rick Adelman, who are struggling to find a third scorer after Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

Warriors win fifth straight, rip Rockets (AP)

Al Harrington gives up 9 inches and 60 pounds to Yao Ming. Yet by using his quickness to front and harass the 7-foot-6 Yao, Harrington is somehow able to shut down Houston's All-Star center. Harrington outplayed Yao for a second straight meeting, shutting him down at one end and scoring 18 points on the other to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Rockets 113-94 on Thursday night for their...

Running Suns must improve on set plays
The Suns must run to win, but as shown in a loss to Yao Ming's Rockets, their half-court offense also needs work, Charley Rosen says.

Yao scores 31, Rockets beat Suns 100-94 (AP)

Yao Ming produced the points and rebounds. Steve Francis provided the spark. Yao had 31 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 100-94 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. Yao was impressive throughout -- shooting 12-for-19 from the floor on an assortment of shots, including turnarounds, jump hooks and stuffs.

Smack: Shaq makes a big statement
When Shaq's motivated, he can still dominate, as Yao Ming discovered Friday. Dime says that gives the 3-9 Heat some hope.

McGrady helps Rockets end 6-game slide (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 35 points and Yao Ming had 22 points and 13 rebounds as the Houston Rockets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 109-81 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Shane Battier grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds and Houston outrebounded Denver 57-38 to overcome their 17 percent shooting from 3-point range (3-for-18).

In the Paint: The time is Yao
With Tracy McGrady hurting and the Rockets struggling, it's up to Yao Ming to carry the team, says Marques Johnson.

Duncan helps Spurs top Rockets 90-84 (AP)

Tim Duncan had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 90-84 on Friday night. Manu Ginobili added 19 points for the Spurs and Michael Finley had 17. Luis Scola, whose rights were traded from the Spurs to the Rockets over the summer, had a breakout game, scoring 20 points.

McGrady scores 41, but Grizzlies win (AP)

Pau Gasol scored 26 points, including four free throws in the final minute, and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame 41 points from Tracy McGrady to beat the Houston Rockets 105-99 on Tuesday night. Darko Milicic added 20 points, while Mike Miller finished with 17 as Memphis snapped Houston's three-game winning streak.

Yao, McGrady rally Rockets past Bobcats (AP)

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and guard Tracy McGrady have been called one of the NBA's best scoring tandems. The Charlotte Bobcats won't dispute that. McGrady and Yao led the Rockets back from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to an 85-82 win on Sunday night. Yao scored a season-high 34 points, including a pair of free throws with 20.4 seconds left to put Houston in the lead, and...

Yao, Rockets win first test vs. Yi, Bucks
Yao Ming got the best of countryman Yi Jianlian in their first NBA matchup Friday, scoring 28 points as the Rockets schooled the Bucks.

Yao's Rockets beat Yi's Bucks 104-88 (AP)

When it comes to basketball in China, Yao Ming is still the king. But Yi Jianlian's time could be coming soon. Yao and Yi each had their share of highlights in the much-anticipated first matchup of the country's greatest player and its top rising star, and Yao's Houston Rockets beat Yi's Milwaukee Bucks 104-88 on Friday night.

Yao-Yi matchup could set ratings record (AP)
Patriots vs. Colts? That's nothing. In China, Friday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets is expected to draw TV ratings that would put even a Super Bowl to shame. It's Yao Ming vs. Yi Jianlian, the nation's greatest player facing his highly touted rookie countryman for the first time.

Rockets finally beat Spurs at home
Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets snap a four-game, home-court losing streak to San Antonio with a 89-81 win over the Spurs on Tuesday night. Bonzi Wells added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Houston, which controlled Tim Duncan and outrebounded the sluggish Spurs 55-28. Duncan scored 14 and grabbed 10 rebounds, but went only 5-for-15 from the field. Tracy McGrady struggled with his shooting, too, going 4-of-14 and scoring only 12.

Yao, Rockets hand Spurs first loss (AP)

Yao Ming had 28 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets snap a four-game, home-court losing streak to San Antonio with a 89-81 win over the Spurs on Tuesday night. Bonzi Wells added 14 points and 15 rebounds for Houston, which controlled Tim Duncan and outrebounded the sluggish Spurs 55-28.

Yao and Diop on center stage
Dime Smack watched the Rockets-Mavs and was reminded how not to defend Yao Ming and why not to guard DeSagana Diop much.

Terry helps Mavs hold off Rockets
Jason Terry's bid to become Sixth Man of the Year is off to quite a start. Asked to provide instant offense from the bench this season, Terry did so Monday night, scoring 31 points and guiding a late 14-4 run that carried the Dallas Mavericks past the Houston Rockets 107-98. Tracy McGrady had 35 points and eight assists, and Yao Ming had 21 points and 11 rebounds, yet the Rockets lost for the first time this season. Houston had been 3-0 under new coach Rick Adelman.

Terry scores 31 as Mavs top Rockets (AP)

Jason Terry's bid to become Sixth Man of the Year is off to quite a start. Asked to provide instant offense from the bench this season, Terry did so Monday night, scoring 31 points and guiding a late 14-4 run that carried the Dallas Mavericks past the Houston Rockets 107-98. Tracy McGrady had 35 points and eight assists, and Yao Ming had 21 points and 11 rebounds, yet the Rockets lost for the first...

Yao's double-double lifts Rockets to 3-0 (AP)

Yao Ming had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Tracy McGrady added 20 points and six assists as the Houston Rockets improved to 3-0 for the first time since the 1996-97 season with an 89-80 win over Portland on Saturday night. Yao scored only eight points and McGrady only five the second half, but the Rockets stayed in control with their defense, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Blazers to 41...

Battier trey seals road win for Rockets
Shane Battier made a 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a rally that came up just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as their coach a success.

Kobe scores 45, but Rockets edge Lakers (AP)

Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, and the Houston Rockets withstood a furious rally from Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 95-93 victory on Tuesday night. Bryant scored 45 points, 18 in the fourth quarter, in a comeback that fell just short. Tracy McGrady scored 30 points, Yao Ming had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and the Rockets made Rick Adelman's debut as...

Rockets' Yao is best of the bigs
Yao Ming surpassed Shaq as the NBA's best center last year. That gap will only grow, Mike Kahn says in his big-man rankings.

Magic defeat Yao-less China all-stars
Carlos Arroyo scored 25 points to help the Orlando Magic rout the China all-stars 116-92 in an exhibition game Thursday at the Chinese casino city of Macau, known as Asia's Las Vegas. The game might have been closer if China's roster included the country's two biggest stars: Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and the newest Chinese NBA player: Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot power forward with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Magic rout China All-Stars in Macau (AP)
Carlos Arroyo scored 25 points to lead the Orlando Magic past the China all-Stars 116-92 in an exhibition game Thursday at the casino city of Macau. The game might have been closer if China's roster included the country's two biggest stars: Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot power forward with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Yao too much for Greece's Panathinaikos
Yao Ming scored 21 points and had eight rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat Euroleague champion Panathinaikos of Greece 107-70 in an exhibition game Thursday night. The Rockets played without star forward Tracy McGrady, who had a sore left knee. Club officials said he bumped it slightly in practice Wednesday and they decided at game time to hold him out. He's day to day. Rookie Luis Scola scored 17 points while Rafer Alston added 14.

Rockets rout Euro champ Panathinaikos (AP)
Yao Ming scored 21 points and had eight rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat Euroleague champion Panathinaikos of Greece 107-70 in an exhibition game Thursday night. The Rockets played without star forward Tracy McGrady, who had a sore left knee. Club officials said he bumped it slightly in practice Wednesday and they decided at game time to hold him out.

Yao Ming, C - HOU
Yao back with Rockets, shoulder injury OK Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Mutombo to play last season with Rockets (AP)
The Houston Rockets signed Dikembe Mutombo to a one-year contract on Monday, extending the 41-year-old center's NBA career into a 16th season. "I'm going enjoy every second and every minute of my last year in the NBA," he said. "I hope my farewell tour will be a nice memorable one." The 7-foot-2, 260-pound Mutombo ended up playing a pivotal role for Houston last season, when Yao Ming broke a bone...