May 10, 2009 (Part 2); Yao is out of the playoffs

This is a big blow to all Rockets' fans.

Just when you thought they could pull an upset against the Lakers, this thing would happen.

But as we all know, the ball is round. Anything could still happen.

Yao Ming, the 7'6" center for the Rockets out of China, will be out for the remainder of the postseason due to another injury.

He limped off the court after their 108-94 Game 3 loss yesterday against the Lakers. Yao missed today's practice to get treatment. He will be re-evaluated tomorrow.

The Rockets have announced just this morning that from further observations, Yao's injury revealed a hairline fracture. Though no surgery is required, an 8-12 week recovery period is needed.

Yao led the Rockets with 19 points and 14 rebounds in Game 3, but he was noticeably limping by the fourth quarter and finally hobbled off the court in the final minute.

But if the other players in the Rockets' lineup could step up in lieu of Yao, they could still make it through.

Big men Carl Landry and Luis Scola will be the focal point in the frontcourt for the Rockets, alongside Ron Artest. They need to step up bigtime if they want to eliminate the Lakers, who now lead their best-of-seven series, 2 games to 1.

Game 4 of their series will be played tomorrow at 3:30 AM Manila time, still from Houston.

More updates to come!

The Wizard was here... :)