Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming's former National Basketball Association club Houston Rockets will be making their first visit to China since 2004 when they face the New Orleans Pelicans this coming October in two NBA pre-season games.

The world's most popular professional basketball league announced on Tuesday that the 10^th edition of NBA Global Games China will feature two games in Shanghai on October 9 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and in Beijing on October 12 at The LeSports Center.

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The future Hall of Famer Yao was playing for the Rockets when the Lexlie Alexander-owned club played their inaugural game in his hometown of Shanghai in 2004 in front of a sold-out crowd.

"Our entire Houston Rockets team is looking forward to returning to China, to compete and play our best basketball for our loyal and passionate fans," Rockets four-time All-Star guard James Harden said. "We are proud of the special bond our team has with the Chinese fans and we know the atmosphere at the games will be electrifying."

According to an ABS-CBN report, the NBA's preseason exhibition game will be the Rockets' fourth trip to China following the team's visits in 2004, 2010 and 2013, while it will be the Pelicans' first trip to the country.

The participating teams' roster presently features James Harden, Dwight and Trevor Ariza for the Houston Rocket, while Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson for the New Orleans Pelicans.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to play in front of the Chinese fans for the first time," said Pelicans three-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis. "During my past visits to China, I was amazed to see the fans' love and excitement for the game of basketball. Visiting Beijing and Shanghai and interacting with the Chinese fans is going to be an incredible experience to share with my coaches and teammates."

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