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Yao Ming's foot injury is so serious it could mean - not only that he will be out all of next season - he could actually end his NBA career.
As of June 30, the news had yet to impact the Houston Rockets odds to win the 2010 NBA Championship where they were listed at +600.
Dr. Tom Clanton, the Houston Rockets' team physician, told the Houston Chronicle on Monday that Yao's injury "has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career-threatening."
Yao suffered a hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone late in a May 8 playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
A team spokesperson said the injury had yet to heal.
General manager Daryl Morey said last week Yao's uncertain status wouldn't affect any of his offseason plans for trades or free-agent signings.
Playing with the team's other star, Tracy McGrady, the Houston Rockets are 146-74 over the past five years. Both McGrady and Ming have been injury plagued over this five year period and the team has not lived up to its potential as a result.
Without Yao Ming, Houston could be out of the Playoff hunt and open doors for other teams to challenge -110 favored Los Angeles for a Championship run.
Outside of the Lakers, only the Nuggets and Spurs had shorter odds than Houston of winning the Western Conference in 2010. The later two teams had odds of +400 and +450, respectfully.
Betting on the 2010 NBA Championship and Conference Championships is already available at Sportsbook.com Here
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
