BEIJING, March 5 -- Yao Ming is expected to play for the first time in almost three months when the Houston Rockets face the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday, team officials said.

The Chinese center, who has missed 31 games since breaking a bone in his right leg on December 23, was cleared for game action by the team yesterday, Reuters reported.

Coach Jeff Van Gundy told the Houston Chronicle he would start Yao against LeBron James's Cavaliers.

"His workouts have been tremendous," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson told the Chronicle. "(Team physician Tom) Clanton was really impressed. So we're going ahead as scheduled. He will be on the active list."

Yao's return should give a much-needed boost to the Rockets, who were 20-11 during his absence and have lost five of their past eight games.

But Dawson cautioned not to expect too much from Yao at first.

"It's going to take a while to get back to par," the general manager said. "His presence will help. This is a process. It's going to start tomorrow."

Yao, who averaged 25.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in 27 games before being hurt, resumed practice on Thursday and appeared comfortable with a new knee brace, Dawson said.

(Source: ShanghaiDaily.com)