Center Yao Ming was cleared to play Monday against the Cavaliers, moving to the active roster for the first time since he fractured the tibia in his right leg Dec. 23 in a collision with Tim Thomas and teammate Chuck Hayes against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Rockets athletic trainer Keith Jones and general manager Carroll Dawson said only that Yao would be on the active roster. But Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said on Sunday that Yao will start tomorrow. Forward Chuck Hayes will also return to the starting lineup, Van Gundy said.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming of China (foreground) shoots a half-court shot in front of teammates during the 2007 NBA All-Star western conference practice in Las Vegas, February 17, 2007. [AP]

"When they say he can play," Van Gundy said on Friday, "I'm playing him."

The doctors finally said it on Sunday after Yao went through a morning workout attended by team physician Dr. Tom Clanton and test results were examined by specialist Dr. Brian Cole in Chicago.

As late as 1 p.m. on Sunday, the Rockets were considering having Yao fly to Chicago, rather than on the 2 p.m. flight to Cleveland with the team, for one more examination by Cole. But the decision was made that it would be enough for Cole to see results of Yao's MRIs and bone scans.

Clanton attended Yao's workout before Saturday's game on the Toyota Center court and his additional running on the practice court. He also watched Yao workout on Sunday before giving the go ahead for Yao to play.

"His workouts have been tremendous," Dawson said. "They were kind of blown away. Clanton was really impressed. So we're going ahead as scheduled. He will be on the active list."

In addition to examinations by Clanton and the test results also viewed by Cole, Yao had returned from Denver a day earlier than scheduled to be examined by Dr. Walter Lowe. He also switched to a different knee brace, dramatically improving his comfort with the requirement that he wear a brace.

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