Yao Ming News

Daryl Morey is fond of saying that playing hard is a skill, like any other. That never seemed quite right, but he might have a point.

Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Brandon Roy #7 and Joel Przybilla #10 of the Portland Trail Blazers during Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2009 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon.

The Energy Solutions Arena seems not long the dire straits for Houston Rockets with power center Yao Ming and genius shooting guard Tracy McGrady on the injury list as eight players scored in double digits in Rockets' 113-96 thrash over Utah Jazz on Monday.

For the two most tenured Rockets playing on Monday, Chuck Hayes and Shane Battier , no venue brings up more reminders of past games than EnergySolutions Arena.

The Houston Rockets' preseason slate was a seven-game reminder of why the preseason exists.

Yao is gone. T-Mac out of commission. Artest in a new uniform. The season for the Houston Rockets is gone.

The Toyota Center has been a house of horrors for the Portland Trail Blazers since it opened for the 2003-04 season.

Luis Scola scored 15 of his 21 points in the third quarter and grabbed 11 rebounds, Aaron Brooks had 18 points and 12 assists, and the Houston Rockets held off Golden State and spoiled the Warriors' season opener with a 108-107 victory Wednesday night.

Aaron Brooks never figured he'd take a ferry to a game. Not in the NBA, anyway. The Houston Rockets traveled by boat to their game with Golden State on Wednesday night, plus a bus ride on either side.

One of the most anticipated Blazer seasons in recent memory is finally upon us. It's been a long and dramatic off-season that included drafting three young guys, trading away fan favorites, participation in Eurobasket, dealing with replacement refs, and all the drama an NBA team can handle.

The trick now is to play like that for a full season. The speedy 6-foot point guard, drafted by the Rockets in 2007, is a major key to Houston's season with Tracy McGrady's status uncertain and Yao Ming out until next year.

A playoff rematch is on tap Tuesday as a pair of Western Conference contenders kick off their seasons when the Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets at The Rose Garden.

The Portland Trail Blazers have higher expectations after ending a five-season drought without reaching the playoffs.

Every year around this time, you're so uptight about how the Rockets are going to do in the playoffs that you can't even enjoy the journey.

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has waived guard Brent Barry.

Despite their shortcomings, the Houston Rockets are still poised and ready to make a run for postseason play this year in the NBA.

Last Season: 53-29 Key Additions: Signed Trevor Ariza , traded for David Andersen , drafted Chase Budinger, Jermaine Taylor Key Subtractions: Ron Artest, Von Wafer, Brett Barry, plus Yao Ming is injured I like this team.

Yao Ming is out, David Andersen is in. Tracy McGrady faces an uncertain future and Trevor Ariza took his place and his jersey number.

Friday: Pacers 119, Rockets 94. Preseason record: 3-3. Monday: Oklahoma City at Toyota Center, 7:30 p.m. TV/radio: FSH; 610 AM, 850 AM .

When organizers tested the device and referees rehearsed last time for the upcoming athletic events at the 11th National Games, the first name echoed around the stadium through announcing system for trial was "Liu Xiang from Shanghai delegation". However, where is Liu Xiang was still the top secret across the host Jinan City.