Yao has sprained ankle -- will be re-evaluated tomorrow

down 1-2, with everything working against us, we can really use some miracles now.

miracles do happen. the question is can it happen NOW.

 

i dont think we'll see yao again this series.

 

Luckily it's not about what you think, It's about what happens.

 

If he has to miss 2morrow's game and the Rockets lose then this series is a wrap.

 

It is a shame that Yao is so fragile. He has the ability to be a great player in this league but he will truly never ascent to anything more than a good player because of his fragility. Human leg bones, foot bones, and ligaments are not meant to take the stress of that much weight over a long period of time.

 

although i think he could miss a game, but this is the best news we could hope for. hopefully it gets better with just rest.

 

They are playing Lakers' 2nd unit. Without Yao, they'll get killed by Gasol inside.

 

I actually think that Yao should just rest. He looked completely worn out, drained, and exhausted. It will not have been even 48 hours from that game. I think we can surprise the Laker with a Yao-less rockets.

Have Artest drive down the open lane, Scola abuse Odom, and open let Brooks penetrate.

Then, we can have fully rested Yao come back into the following game.

 

I wouldn't say he is fragile, but the punishment big men take is grueling and given his off season is usually all about playing basketball in China, his lifespan will never reach the levels of most all star big guys that we are used to from previous generations.

A little less time for Yao will hopefully inspire someone else to step up, as it seems like we do better when no one is expecting it.

 

If Yao does play, he shouldn't start. Let Hayes come in at pf and move Scola up to C.

 

If Yao does play and can play to contribute some it should be in limited minutes from now on. Like a previous thread has stated that Yao should only play 30 minutes that what RA should be doing from now on, have Yao only play 30 minutes a game.

 

trust me, he will be there. the true warrior will leadus to a win this time. i just hope RA plays him wisely

 

I am looking forward to another Yao moment of glory. Hurt but not down. Hampered but still contribute to a great win.

I have been starving for two games, it's time. Yao will rise again.

 

ticket sales? isn't the game already sold out.

 

I'm going with Ron Artest on this one. I think Yao will play, even if it's not in his best interest. He's just a warrior like that, and I have a ton of respect for players who play through pain.

 

I don't think anything other than a broken foot would make Yao sit this game out, the guy just flat out wants to compete and be there with this teammates.

I know that he looked like he was really struggling in last nights game and alll, but we're talking about our number 1 option on offense here. People that are saying we'll be better with Chuck Hayes and Carl Landry starting are delusional.
As other posters have mentioned, they were up against the Lakers 2nd unit so its a completely differenet story. Other than Artest, who can you safely say will give you a good 20 points a game? Wafer and Brooks are CAPABLE of doing it but they haven't been incredibly productive this series.

With Yao out, i don't think i'll feel safe on offense with the ball in anyone's hands.

And another thing, the spacing he produces from simply BEING on offense is a huge reason why other players get their points. If you have Chuck or Landry in there, there will be no double teams which lead to open players and then you're forced to see either Artest dribble out the shot clock and shoot a ridiculous fade away jumper or Wafer blindly driving to the rim for a poor percentage shot.

 

Grant Hill anyone?

Remember Hill's started with an ankle sprain, then it became worse, and then some. Of course Detroit didn't advance at year when Hill was injured.

I fail to see how an ankle-sprained Yao can be effective. I can be wrong though.

 

if he finished the game on the bum ankle what makes u think he wont be out there for game 4

 

play yao to see his effectiveness.

if he struggles, just keep him out of the game.

 

I have slim faith in Rockets pulling thru this series as of right now. That said, I would like to see Yao fight shoulder by shoulder with the squad till the last minute of this great season. A lot of guys fail to appreciate that Rockets is already outperforming.