Yao set to return for the Rockets

03.4.2007

Houston, TX (Basketball News) - Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will return to the lineup on Monday after missing the last 31 games with a fractured right tibia.

Yao, who will start in Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, is expected to wear a brace over his right knee.

Yao suffered the injury on December 23 after he leapt for a blocked shot while under the basket, but Tim Thomas of the Los Angeles Clippers and teammate Chuck Hayes fell to the court and rolled over Yao’s right knee. The 7-foot-6 center crumpled to the floor, clutching his right knee in pain.

Yao was helped off of the floor and taken to a local hospital for an MRI test, which revealed the nature of his injury.

Before the injury, Yao was averaging 25.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in 27 games.

The Rockets went a surprising 21-10 without their star center in the lineup.

HOU

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