BASKETBALL

YAO EXPECTED TO RETURN TODAY AGAINST CAVS

Yao Ming is expected to return for the Houston Rockets today against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 7-foot-6-inch center has been out since breaking his right leg on December 23 and has missed the last 32 games. He was medically cleared to play by the Rockets’ team doctors and moved to the active roster yesterday.

Prior to the injury, Yao was having the best season of his career, averaging 27 points and nine rebounds. He scored more than 30 points in four of the five games before his injury.

The Rockets have struggled of late, losing three of their last four, including an embarrassing 97–74 loss to San Antonio on Saturday night.

GOLF

WEEKLEY MISSES CHANCE TO WIN SUSPENDED HONDA CLASSIC

Boo Weekley missed a 3-foot par putt on the final regulation hole of the Honda Classic, wasting a chance to win his first PGA Tour title.

He’ll have to wait until Monday morning to get another chance.

Weekley, Camilo Villegas, Mark Wilson and Jose Coceres went into a four-man playoff last night, one that they couldn’t finish before darkness fell on PGA National. Each player made par at the par-5 18th, the first playoff hole. Wilson made a spectacular par, driving his tee shot into the mud and scrambling to the green before making a 30-foot putt to keep him in contention, and Coceres’ birdie try that would have ended the tournament hit the lip and rolled away.