China

Yao 'definitely' to miss All-Star Game

(ESPN)
Updated: 2007-01-24 09:15

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, recovering from a broken leg, said he will "definitely not" play in the All-Star Game but hopes to start on-court workouts during the Feb. 16-18 All-Star break, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming rubs his face with his jersey near the end of the Rockets' NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Target Center in Minneapolis December 6, 2006. Minnesota won 90-84. Ming finished with 14 points. [Reuters]

"It's going pretty well so far," Yao said, according to the Chronicle. "Right now we're looking for some rehab to make the muscle stronger so when I'm back to play, I'm not hurting."

Yao has been out with a fractured tibia since Dec. 23, but as of Jan. 4, still led all NBA players with 1,775,413 votes for the All-Star Game in Las Vegas. Starters for the All-Star Game are expected to be announced Thursday.

Yao said missing All-Star Weekend is "good timing" because he'll be able to spend time working out without missing any more games, the newspaper reported.

"Actually, it's pretty good to me to stay home, do my work and get back to the court," Yao said, according to the Chronicle.