Indianapolis, IN (My Sportsbook) - Yao Ming makes his much-anticipated NBA debut Wednesday night when the Houston Rockets battle the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse in the season opener for both teams.

The Rockets selected Yao with the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, addressing a glaring weakness at center from last season's 28-54 campaign.

The 7-foot-5 center from China played in two preseason games after getting approval from the Chinese Basketball Association to sign a contract with the Rockets. Yao had six points in his exhibition debut against San Antonio before scoring 13 in Houston's finale versus the Sixers.

Houston is also hoping for an injury-free season out of All-Star guard Steve Francis, who missed 25 games last season because of shoulder problems and migraine headaches. During the offseason, Francis was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease, which is an inner ear disorder that causes migraine headaches.

The Rockets showed their commitment to Francis by signing the guard to a six- year contract extension in the offseason.

Houston forward Glen Rice is questionable for Wednesday's game because of his injured right knee, which forced him to miss most of last season.

The Indiana Pacers come into the 2002-03 season with an abundance of young talent and great expectations. Following a somewhat disappointing 2001-02 season for Indiana that resulted in a first-round exit, the heat is on coach Isiah Thomas to get the most out of his players and bring the Pacers to the top of the East.

Center Jermaine O'Neal had a breakout campaign last year, winning the Most Improved Player Award, but players such as Jonathan Bender and Austin Croshere have stalled. Late-season acquisitions Brad Miller, Ron Artest and Ron Mercer filled some defensive needs and are a better fit for Thomas' half-court style.

However, with Jalen Rose now in Chicago and an aging Reggie Miller sidelined, the Pacers could struggle to score points. Miller, whose scoring numbers (16.5 ppg) were his lowest since 1988-89 last year, will miss the first two weeks of the regular season and possibly more because of a sprained right ankle.

Houston went 4-3 during the preseason, while Indiana ended 5-3.

Indiana swept both meetings with Houston last year after losing both matchups during the 2000-01 season. Overall, the Pacers have taken four of the last six meetings with the Rockets.