Chinese fans will get the opportunity to witness an NBA showdown between compatriots Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian on home soil later this year when the 2010 NBA China Games, featuring the Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets, tip off in Beijing and Guangzhou.

The event will mark the second time the Rockets have played preseason games in China.

The event will also mark the return of injury-plagued Rockets' All-Star center Yao, who missed the 2009-10 season due to injury.

The Rockets' first NBA preseason game in China was in 2004 and Yao contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds.

As rumors increase that the Rockets are wondering whether to continue their contract with Yao and the NBA's audience rating is declining in China due to his injury, this year's games should attract plenty of attention and consolidate the NBA's fan base in the world's most populous nation.

This year's exhibition will be the NBA's fifth set of preseason games in China. The NBA's first foray into China came in 1979 when Washington played the Chinese national team.