Yao and Yi in Chinatown for 400 Million

Tonight at the Verizon Center, in the heart of DC's Chinatown, Yao and Yi faceoff for the first time in the nation's capital.  According to Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, 400 million basketball fans worldwide will watch the game, and yet it still won't be a sellout.*

Some thoughts on the game:

• For what it's worth, Yi has looked fantastic this season defending the pick-and-roll.  When his man sets the screen, Yi gives an excellent show -- very similar to what you'd see from Kevin Garnett.  I know this sounds ludicrous, but until the Wiz make frequent national TV appearances, please trust me.  Playing the FIBA tournament and being the focal point of the Chinese team helped Yi immensely.
• Formally, it's 'Asian Heritage Night' at the Verizon Center.   Features include a halftime Lion Dance, a postgame meet-and-greet with Yi, and a post-game free throw on the court.
• Here is the full statement from Ted Leonsis on his blog:  http://www.tedstake.com/2010/11/10/effort-matters/   Magic Johnson is scheduled to speak to the Wiz tonight.  Now, here's one from the "stuff I made up" department.  Since Magic was rumored to sell his small stake in the Lakers with the hope of getting a larger one with a new NBA team, might he be speaking to Ted about getting a share in the team?   The Pistons, currently for sale, from his home state Michigan were the obvious object of his desire, but Ted just took over ownership and things are still in flux, so I wouldn't say that it's a totally ridiculous thought.
• From the Wizards Game Notes (http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/preview_111010.html), Wiz forward Trevor Booker and Rockets forward Jordan Hill are cousins.  In a frontcourt full of thin guys getting pushed around (all of whom have other, more positive aspects to their skillsets), it's hard to believe a winless team can't find a role for a widebody like Booker.

*(Aaah, the perils of losing for a zillion straight years.  On the flip side, tickets are available, and I live in the DC Metro area -- if you stretch the definition a bit -- so I am very tempted to take the plunge and haul into the city tonight.)