(Best E Casino) - A healthy Yao Ming makes Houston a contender in the tough Western Conference. Yao, who did not play in the Rockets' six-game first-round series loss Utah, last played on February 24. He was sidelined with a stress fracture in his left foot and underwent surgery on the injury.

Yao averaged 22.0 points and 10.8 rebounds in 55 games this past season for the Rockets, and shot 50.7 percent from the floor. He is expected to be healthy for training camp.

Tracy McGrady, who has not been on the winning side of an NBA playoff series (0-7), stepped up in Yao's absence and had a productive season. He posted 21.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and a team-best 5.9 assists per game for Houston, which won a historic 22 straight games from January 29 to March 16.

Point guard Rafer Alston also raised his game, and ended the campaign with averages of 13.1 points and 5.3 assists. The former street ball player shot 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and was clutch during the winning streak and at different times during the season.

Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, Luther Head, Carl Landry and Luis Scola make up a solid supporting cast, which also includes veterans Bobby Jackson and Dikembe Mutombo.

Houston owns the 25th and 54th overall player. California's Ryan Anderson is an intriguing name for the Rockets. He is a 6-10 forward, who can play power or small forward and has good range from the outside.

2007-08 Results: 55-27, lost to Utah in first round of playoffs.

Key Player(s): Rafer Alston (Guard), Shane Battier (Forward), Aaron Brooks (Guard), Luther Head (Guard), Chuck Hayes (Forward), Bobby Jackson (Guard), Carl Landry (Forward), Tracy McGrady (Guard), Dikembe Mutombo (Center), Luis Scola (Forward), Yao Ming (Center).

Team Needs: Consistent perimeter shooter.

Draft picks: 1st round (25th overall), 2nd round (54th overall).