With the Houston Rockets playing a back-to-back, Yao Ming sat out the game. The Rockets' coaching staff plans to sit Yao for all back-to-backs throughout the season.
The Breakdown
It was interesting to note that Chuck Hayes stepped in to start at center and played 39 minutes. He finished with an impressive 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Keep in mind that the Rockets were playing the Warriors, so Hayes may have started to match up better with Golden State. We'll have to see if Hayes starts and sees the same number of minutes in the team's next back-to-back. He could be viable spot starter in deep leagues if Hayes continues to start in Yao's absence.