Yao Ming injured his knee after leaping for a blocked shot as Chuck Hayes and Tim Thomas hit the floor beneath him. Yao's knee appeared to get caught under Thomas' body and Yao immediately grabbed his knee and screamed in pain.

Rockets officials brought out a cart, but Yao limped off the floor, with teammate Bonzi Wells helping him.

The Rockets said Yao suffered a bone bruise and would not return to Saturday's game. His status beyond that was uncertain.