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Houston Rockets: Rockets officials know that Yao Ming was inured recently while playing for the Chinese National team. What they don't know, though, is if he simply cut his forehead above his left eye or actually broke a few bones in the process. Media reports from China have it both ways. "I read the story to (Yao rep) John (Huizinga)," Rockets VP Keith Jones said to the Houston Chronicle. "He was the one that told me about the cut. He said he talked to Yao, and Yao never told him anything about breaking a bone. I think Yao would have told him. I don't know why he wouldn't." Either way, the injury isn't expected to impact the upcoming season.

Boston Celtics: Boston coach Jim O'Brien wanted to see Vin Baker for himself and verify rumors that the troubled forward was indeed making progress towards returning to the team. "Absolutely," O'Brien told the Boston Herald. "And I expected nothing less. He really set up an aggressive schedule for himself." Baker arrived in Miami to rehabilitate himself and his game after leaving the Celtics last season with alcohol related problems. "His conditioning is better, and I understand that there's been weight loss," said Danny Ainge. "I'm getting tired of talking about it, but it's a wait and see issue for us. Ultimately, he has to show up in October, and then we'll see who he is."

New Jersey Nets: As expected, Jason Kidd will sign a six-year, $103.5M contract with the New Jersey Nets today, the NY Times is reporting. Kidd agreed to re-sign with the team after Alonzo Mourning joined the Nets on July 16 but previous engagements delayed the process. A news conference is expected today.

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