"Yao Ming said he feels like he is ready to play . The Rockets center has not been cleared to rejoin the team's workouts because team doctors want him to strengthen the muscles in his left ankle, weakened since his Nov. 10 injury.

"I'm waiting for the green light," Yao said. "When? I don't know. I feel better. It still has some weakness. I'm just not ready to sit out for almost 20 games, particularly when I feel I'm OK. I know when I was in the walking boot, on the crutches, OK, I understand.

"I won't push the trainer or the doctor. They all try to treat me the best that they can. I know they try to find the best way for me to get back on the court."

Yao would not say if he would be playing if the decision were his to make, but when asked if he has made it known how he feels, he laughed and said, "I tell them every day.""