Spurs C Oberto in stable condition after chest pains

Apr 19, 2007 - 3:18 AM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- San Antonio Spurs center Fabricio Oberto on Wednesday underwent a procedure that returned his heart to a normal rhythm after feeling abnormal sensations in his chest, the team announced.

He is in stable condition and was able to return home after the procedure. The Spurs expect the 6-10 Oberto to be available in Game One of the team's first-round playoff series vs. Denver this weekend.

"He had a procedure (Wednesday) and went home. We're going to check his heart rate and rhythm for the next couple of days," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. "If everything stays under control, it looks good that he might be able to practice on Saturday."

After seeing a cardiologist, Oberto was determined to have heart arrhythmia caused by taking a hit to the chest in Sunday's loss to the the rival Dallas Mavericks.

"He got hit in the neck during the Dallas game and thought he was fine, then he said he felt racy," Popovich said. "He said he felt racy and his whole body sped up. We're just very lucky he said something."

In his second campaign, the Argentine center is averaging 4.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 79 games.