Rockets' Yao Ming sidelined with sprained ankle

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has a mild left ankle sprain and is expected to be out for at least a week. Yao was injured in the first quarter of Houston's 98-91 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. An MRI taken Thursday confirmed the injury. Yao will return to Houston to begin rehabilitation while the team finishes its road trip. The Rockets have been closely monitoring Yao's minutes this season in his return after sitting out all of last season following surgery to repair his broken left foot. Yao, a seven-time All-Star, is averaging 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while averaging 18.2 minutes a game for the struggling Rockets, who are 1-6. — AP