Jan.25 - NBA Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will not play in next month's National Basketball Association All-Star Game in Las Vegas.

 

The Chinese giant told the Houston Chronicle that his fractured tibia would not yet be healed.

 

The 2.26m Houston Rockets star, an All-Star starter in his first four NBA seasons, has not played since breaking his leg December 23, halting a stellar season with averages of 25.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27 games.

 

"It's going pretty well so far," Yao said. "Right now we're looking for some rehab to make the muscle stronger so when I'm back to play I'm not hurting."

 

Yao said he is scheduled to begin on-court training about the time of the All-Star Game break, February 16-18, but will "definitely not" be in Las Vegas.

 

He said he hopes to return earlier than mid to late March as is now planned.

 

Yao has been the top vote-getter at Western Conference center in fan balloting for the starting all-star positions.

 

Starters are expected to be named later this week.