Yao is out

HOUSTON — The Rockets just announced that Yao Ming is out for the rest of the playoffs because of a broken left foot. They said earlier today that he had suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter of Game 3 on Friday night. The Rockets announced later this evening that a further examination revealed a hairline fracture. The Rockets said Yao would need 8-12 weeks to recover, although surgery is not required. Yao’s absence means the Rockets must fight harder for rebounds. No clue how they will replace him for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. How do you replace a man who is 7-foot-6 and 310 pounds? They will be in big trouble trying to slow down the Lakers’ Pau Gasol.