Game thread!

BiG Yao Ming back to visit tonight as the Rockets host the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center, 8pm EST.


Yao makes a return visit as there are discussions about retiring the old #11 Jersey. Rockets in the mean time look to take care of business tonight against the Warriors. The warriors are finally at full strength as Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut returns from injury. They thrashed the Suns at their last game, with all starters playing at a high level. The Rockets on the other hand started their last game on fire, building a big lead. However, they let the bobcats back into the game. But with some decent defense in the last few minutes, they held on to win. James Harden got his
first career triple double.

The Previous matchups between the two teams at the Toyota Center have swung wildly in the Rockets favor. The Rockets have beaten the Warriors 8 in a row. But then again, this is a contending Warriors team this year

Jeremy Lin Rolled his ankle yesterday in practice, but has declared himself good to go. Carlos Delfino is officially Day-to-day, and is a game time decision to play or not.

PG
Jeremy Lin

vs.
Stephen Curry


SG
James Harden

vs.
Klay Thompson


SF
Chandler Parsons

vs.
Harrison Barnes


PF
Patrick Patterson

vs.
David Lee


C
Omer Asik

vs.
Andrew Bogut

YEAH, Yao Ming had directly flown in from Seoul with his wife Ye Li and daughter Amy after the Speical Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea on Saturday. He will stay in Houston for at least the next 2 weeks for the Chinese New Year and then the 2013 NBA All Stars Weekend. He had been resting and readjusting from the jet lag since arrival.

He came to Toyota Centre this morning during Houston Rockets' training session, and met with Houston Rockets CEO Tad Brown to discuss details about retiring his old #11 jersey.

It was reported that he won't appear in this game with Golden State Warriors cos he has another activity for tonight.

He will show up in the next home game against Portland TrailBlazers on Firday.

Here is a photo of Big Yao with Chandler Parsons right after the Rockets' shootaround in the morning.

Photos of Yao Ming casually chatting with Jeremy Lin and meeting Chandler Parsons in the players' medical/changing room (???)

crazy. Lin back in 1 minute left 1st quarter. harden in foul trouble, mchale had to adjust sub rotations.

10:22 HOU Jeremy Lin makes a 25-foot three-pointer from the left wing. Assist: James Anderson

Jeremy !!! 3 !!!

A 10 ~ 4 run by the Rockets in early 2Q.

Houston Rockets leading 48 ~ 41 after a tight 38 ~ 37 1Q.

8:36 HOU James Harden enters game for Jeremy Lin

Jeremy benched for his breather.

He is in double digits already.... 10 points (4/7 FG% 2/2 3-pointer%) , 1 rebound, 4 assists and 1 turnover.

Houston Rockets' lead dwindled to 5.... 50 ~ 45 without Jeremy.

5:35 HOU Patrick Patterson makes a 23-foot three-pointer from the left corner. Assist: Chandler Parsons
6:14 HOU James Harden makes a 26-foot three-pointer from the right wing. Assist: Jeremy Lin
6:38 HOU Jeremy Lin enters game for Toney Douglas

Jeremy sent back on court, dished assist for a 3 from James Harden.

Houston Rockets' lead stretched back to double-digits. 61 ~ 51.

MAN! what's the over-under on this game?

Lin 13 pts and 6 asst, 2 min left in the first half!

3:57 HOU Layup by Chandler Parsons. Assist: Jeremy Lin
4:04 GS David Lee makes a 15-foot jumper from the left wing. Assist: Stephen Curry
4:24 HOU Jeremy Lin makes a 24-foot three-pointer from the left corner. Assist: James Harden

Another 3 from Jeremy !!!! 3 out of 3 for his 3-pointers !!!

Another assist to Chandler Parsons !!!

66 ~ 55.