Houston center out of playoffs

HOUSTON, May 9 (UPI) -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will miss the rest of the NBA playoffs because of a small hairline fracture in his left foot, the team said Saturday.

Yao underwent a CT scan Saturday that revealed the injury, suffered in Friday night's 108-94 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

No surgery is needed but the all-star's expected recovery timeline is between eight to 12 weeks, the team said.

"Yao Ming had an initial test taken in the early morning hours on Saturday following the game," said Rockets team physician Dr. Tom Clanton. "The original diagnosis of the left ankle sprain was based on the results of that test. Further diagnostic procedures performed later in the day revealed a hairline fracture on the top of his left foot."

The Rockets trail the best-of-seven series, 2-1, with Game 4 slated for Sunday.

The 7-foot-6 center had 19 points and 14 rebounds Friday.