Yao finally back at practice

Basketball Betting Lines

08/24/2010 - Houston, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Houston Rockets center Yao Ming returned to the court for a workout at the Toyota Center on Tuesday, one day after Rockets consulting physician Dr. Tom Clanton declared his surgically repaired foot has fully healed.

Yao missed the entire 2009-10 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left foot, a result of an injury he suffered in Game 3 of the second round of the 2009 Western Conference playoffs against the eventual champion Lakers.

"He looks like his old self. He's still got a ways to go on his [conditioning], but it's just good to see him out there," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said of his franchise center. "We're going to be precautionary...We're going to manage him, especially early and limit his minutes based on what the doctors tell us to do."

The top pick in the 2002 draft, Yao has career averages of 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 481 games -- 471 starts -- over seven seasons with the Rockets. He has been named an All Star in each of his healthy campaigns.

"I'm excited. I ate a cheeseburger to celebrate," joked Yao, who is scheduled the make $17.69 million next season. "But I'm really, really not in good shape right now, so I'm a little bit away from game shape. The good news is we have one month until training camp and two months until the season...I'm just looking forward to playing a great season in 2010-2011 and I think I can count on my foot now."

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Pro Football Odds : NFC SOUTH BETTING ODDS

NFL Sports Betting

NFL betting action is back! At MySportsbook, all of the pro football odds are posted for the NFC North. Check out how we see the four teams in this cloudy division stacking up this year in the chase for the playoffs! Green Bay Packers (+125) - With QB Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and DC Dom Capers working his magic on defense, the Packers are a real force to be reckoned with.

Virtually nothing changed on this offense for Green Bay from last year to this year, save for the addition of rookie OT Brian Bulaga to the bunch. Expect more huge numbers from the Pack, and a relatively favorable schedule should get them over the hump and into the playoffs once again this season. My NFL Betting Predictions: 11-5, 1st place in NFC North Minnesota Vikings (+130) - There are still too many unknowns about the Vikes this year. There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not.

There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.

Chicago Bears (+350) - The Bears are probably a bit of an overhyped team once again this year.No, we don't think it is plausible for QB Jay Cutler to have as bad of a season as he did last year, and we do think the additions of RB Chester Taylor and DE Julius Peppers are going to help immensely, but there's still something in the water in the Windy City that we aren't so sure about. Maybe Chicago finds its way to .500... but then again, maybe it doesn't. If Favre comes back, Cutler might be the worst quarterback in this division this year.

Detroit Lions (+1500) - The Lions are probably once again going to be the whipping boys for the rest of the teams in the NFC North, but they aren't just going to roll over and die once again. There is some real talent amassing on this team offensively, as the combination of QB Matt Stafford, RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson, and TE Brandon Pettigrew should put a bunch of points on the board if the offensive line can even remotely hold up. The questions really lie on defense, where it feels like DT Ndamukong Suh is going to be trying to stop opposing teams all by himself. This year should show some marked improvement in the Motor City.

The Patriots will make NFL betting fans a lot of money this season, get in early and enjoy the cash.

NFL Betting

To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your NFL football betting needs.