Yao not used in Rockets' last preseason game
HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was held out of the team's final preseason game with the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night due to a hyper-extended left elbow.
Yao injured the elbow early against San Antonio on Wednesday night when he got tangled up under the basket with the Spurs' Rasho Nesterovic going for a rebound.
"It feels sore and there's a little pain, but it's not a big deal," Yao said. "I worry about it right now, but I think I will be getting better. I think I can play in a couple of days."
He left the game but returned to play 25 more minutes and got 13 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.
An MRI taken on the elbow Thursday revealed a "partial tear" of the ligament, according to team officials. They said he will be evaluated on a daily basis.
Yao went through some light drills Thursday evening with a brace on the elbow.
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