The Houston Rockets proved they couldn't win without Tracy McGrady. Now they will have to prove they can win without Yao Ming.
Yao will be sidelined for at least "several weeks" after undergoing surgery on his left big toe, the team said in a statement Monday.
Rockets team physician Dr. Tom Clanton performed the surgery to clean out an infection in Yao's toe. Yao was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which is common inflammation of the bone caused by bacteria.
The Rockets said that Yao will take antibiotics and rest for several weeks in order to allow the infection to properly resolve itself.