No Problem, Houston: Rockets Blasting Off Without Yao

Even with Yao Ming's season coming to an abrupt end, the Houston Rockets are the winners of 15 straight and are the hottest team in the NBA.

Many people—myself included—questioned whether the Rockets would be able to continue their success after their perennial All-Star Center went down.

So how exactly are they doing it?

Well after three games sans-Yao, the streak hasn't ended, and there are a few crucial role players who have stepped it up in big ways...

1. Luis Scola

Even before Yao Ming went down, rookie forward Luis Scola was averaging 9.1 PPG and 5.5 RPG. In the three games without Yao in the lineup, Scola has averaged 15.7 PPG and 7.0 RPG. His play has been vital to the recent success of this Houston team. Does he remind anyone else of a younger Fabricio Oberto?

2. Carl Landry

Landry has also stepped it up coming off the bench of late, raising his season averages of 8.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG to 13.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG. Though he still comes off the bench, he is getting big minutes in Yao's absence, and his improved scoring has helped make up for the gaping hole that the 7'6" Center left.

3. Dikembe Motumbo

The man seems to age like fine wine, and at 41, he looks like he's fresh and ready to go. His scoring won't surprise anyone, staying at around 3.3 PPG, but his defensive presence is where he shines.

In his three starts, he has averaged 8.0 RPG and has had games of four, four, and three blocks respectively. He has not lost his knack for swatting shots. He has stepped up in a big way for this team, and while no one will mistake him for Yao Ming down low, he is steadily helping this team keep the embers of their playoff hopes glowing.

4. Shane Battier

Battier has always been a capable defender and outside shooter, but he has raised his level of play lately in all aspects of his game. His PPG totals are up from 8.9 to 14.0. He has also averaged 3.0 BPG compared to his 1.2 season average.

Not bad for a small forward.

These players have made it so that even in the absence of their stud Center, the pressure still isn't all on the shoulders of Tracy McGrady. If you look at McGrady's numbers, you'll see that he is still right around his season averages: (21.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.6 APG) on the season vs. (19.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.7 APG) while Yao has been out.

Were it not for his supporting cast, T-Mac would be carrying this entire team on his fragile back, and while he is an unbelievable player, no one man can handle that.