So there are rumors that Yao Ming is going to have season ending surgery for a stress fracture on his left foot.  I would say that pretty much eliminates Houston's hopes for the playoffs, or at least brings them back to the pack with the W's and Nuggets for the last two spots.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3265631

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Also posted in an earlier diary from ghostridebaron.

This is a really interesting development in the Western Conference race. How do you guys think this effects the Rockets? Houston and The Houston Chronicle are reporting that Yao has a stress fracture in his left foot and the Rockets are expected to announce he will have season-ending surgery later Tuesday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3265631