CHN - Yao blow for Rockets

HOUSTON (NBA) - China center Yao Ming has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's 98-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Team officials had originally hoped the All-Star center had suffered a bruised bone, but an MRI scan has revealed a small fracture.

Yao appeared to hurt his knee attempting to block a shot by the Clippers' Tim Thomas with 6:17 remaining in the opening quarter.

Yao has put together his best season to date after averaging a career high 26.8 points and 9.7 rebounds in 26 games, while reaching the 30-point plateau nine times during this campaign.

Rockets trainer Keith Jones said: "It's a non-displaced fracture. We think he'll do well with rest."

Jones also revealed that he didn't believe surgery would be necessary at this point.

"It's tough to deal with," said Houston guard Rafer Alston. "You're shocked, disappointed. Yao's worked so hard. He was carrying this team."

Yao missed 25 games last season with a toe injury before suffering a broken foot, while McGrady missed 35 games last campaign with back problems.

"Last year we responded okay," said Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy.

"We have a chance to learn from last year. A lot of things happen to us, but it's how you deal with what happens to you that shows who you are.

"I couldn't feel worse for an athlete. If there's ever been an athlete who doesn't deserve the bad breaks he's had over the last two years with the injuries, it's him. He works hard and he's in great shape.

"I'm going to have to really think about the rotation. When we started the second half with Chuck (Hayes) and Dikembe (Mutombo) out there together, that's just not enough offense."

Shane Battier, who scored a season high 28 points for Houston added: "We all have to do a little bit more.

"We have to be tougher, we have to be more mentally sharp and we have to not expect less of ourselves when Tracy (McGrady) and Yao are out."

Houston are already playing without superstar swingman Tracy McGrady, who has missed seven straight games with recurring back spasms.

PA Sport