Yao, Rockets to Play Nets in China Exhibitions
By wchung | 06 May, 2026

NBA Houston Rockets Yao Ming, left, receives pineapple treats from Taipei mayor Hau long-bin during a media event announcing his personal Yao Foundation Charity Tour in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Yao, along with other NBA players, held charity games against local pop icons and basketball players Wednesday, July 28, in Taipei. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

The Houston Rockets will play two exhibition games in China against the New Jersey Nets, giving Yao Ming a chance to return to his home country.

The NBA announced Wednesday that the teams would play Oct. 13 in Beijing at the Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, then Oct. 16 at the new Guangzhou International Sports Arena.

This will be the NBA’s fifth set of preseason games in China and the second involving the Rockets, who drafted Yao with the No. 1 overall pick in 2002. They took part in the inaugural China games in 2004.

Yao missed last season with a foot injury but is expected to be ready in time for the season.

The Nets recently traded China’s other top big man, Yi Jianlian, to Washington.

NEW YORK (AP)