Realistically, how many games does Yao play next season?

There is a very good chance that Yao Ming will play the 2010/2011 season in pain. This statement is based upon the experience of another player having had the same surgery.Yao will be fully recovered for the following season.

 

I'll be pleased if he gives us 50. I don't say that because I'm pessimistic, I just hope the Rockets treat him with kid gloves, especially in the first half of the year.

Bring him off the bench in November, gauge his readiness before starting him
No back to back games (I say play him in the second game to help out the others with tired legs).
Put him in good matchups to give him the best chance to succeed.

CT, MR and Bone Scan (T-99) that foot every three weeks as a precaution.

Evan

 

Probably a pretty good guess. This is why getting a better center as a backup or a starter is crucial to the success of the Rox. Even if it's a PF we'll be fine as there aren't many true center's left in the NBA.

 

I think Rockets should take the Cavs approach with Shaq. Rest Yao enough during the reg season and then play him heavy mins in the playoffs.

Look at this year's Western Conference, having home court advantage is no longer a guarantee to win. We should no longer set our goal to be the top seed, but instead should be making into the playoffs.