Yao Ming to miss remainder of season with ankle injury

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot, dealing a crippling blow to the club in its postseason push, the team said on Tuesday.

"It's very disappointing," Yao told a news conference.

"We're still not sure about this, whether to put a cast on it or operate. We're still looking for a second opinion."

Rockets team doctor Thomas Clanton said the healing time for Yao would be three to four months, whether or not he had surgery.

"It's a very difficult day for the organization and our fans," Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey told a news conference. "We've been playing exceptional ball.

"Yao's been a huge part of that. That said, we feel very confident about our playoff push. We've managed to step up and play well without Yao in the past."

Yao, who has been injured often during his NBA career, is averaging 22 points and 10.8 rebounds for Houston (36-20), who have won 12 in a row to move within 2.5 games of front-running defending champion San Antonio in the Southwest Division.

The 27-year-old Yao will also miss the postseason with the injury.

"We are in a good situation right now and a good opportunity," a somber Yao said. "Our team is playing with full confidence right now and is on the right track. I believe the Rockets will still keep winning."