Battier, Alston have surgery

May 10, 2008 - 12:33 AM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier and guard Rafer Alston each underwent successful surgical procedures, the team announced Friday.

Both surgeries were performed by Rockets team physician Tom Clanton at Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center.

Battier underwent arthroscopic surgery in order to remove bone spurs in his left ankle, while Alston's surgery involved repairing ligament and tendon damage in his right ankle.

Alston's injury was sustained in the second quarter of the Rockets' series-clinching Game Six loss to the Utah Jazz last Friday.

"Both procedures went well," Dr. Clanton said. "Shane just needed to have a few bone spurs removed from around his left ankle joint. Rafer's procedure involved the repairing of some ligaments and tendons in his right ankle. I expect both players to be ready and available to participate in training camp activities."

Battier posted 9.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 80 contests last season, while Alston averaged 13.1 points and 5.3 assists during his 74 games last campaign.

It has been a painful offseason so far for Houston, which also saw superstar guard Tracy McGrady undergo surgery on his left knee and left shoulder.