ESPN ratings soar for Shaq vs. Yao

Bristol, Conn. — Shaq vs. Yao was a TV hit.

The first game between Shaquille O’Neal and Chinese rookie Yao Ming was watched in a little more than 3.3 million homes, giving it the second-highest viewership for an NBA regular-season game on cable.

ESPN’s telecast of the Houston Rockets’ 108-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime Friday night drew a 3.82 cable rating.

Walker could miss up to two weeks

Waltham, Mass. — Antoine Walker is expected to miss up to two weeks because of a knee injury sustained in the Boston Celtics’ comeback victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

An MRI taken Tuesday, one day after Boston’s 100-99 win, showed a mild ligament sprain of his right knee. Walker was hurt in the third quarter of the game in which his three-pointer provided the last points, capping a rally from a 23-point deficit.

Walker sat out Tuesday’s practice, and coach Jim O’Brien said he would not play against Milwaukee tonight in Boston.

NBA strikes deal with satellite radio

New York — NBA games will be available on satellite radio starting next month.

The league and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. announced a deal Tuesday which allows the company to carry live broadcasts of up to 40 games per week.

The agreement covers the regular season and the playoffs.