Houston Rocket center Yao Ming is hoping for a better prognosis next week when he meets with doctors for an update on how his injured right knee is healing.

Yao told KRIV-TV in Houston on Friday he hopes for a better outlook than the one doctors initially provided and that he will be able to play prior to early February as presently forecast.

"It's really hard," Yao said. "This is the best year I have ever had for my team and for me personally."

Yao fractured the right tibial plateau under his knee Dec. 23 when he jumped to block a shot and his knee got caught under Tim Thomas' body. Yao immediately grabbed his knee and screamed in pain. Yao was averaging 26 points and nine rebounds before the injury.