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Battier returns to Memphis as Rockets face Grizzlies

Nov 7, 2006 - 2:22 PM Houston (1-2) at Memphis (1-2) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - After five campaigns with the Memphis Grizzlies, Shane Battier was traded to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.

Battier will face his old team for the first time Tuesday when the Rockets visit the Grizzlies in a matchup of 1-2 squads.

One of the most popular players in Memphis history, Battier was traded to Houston for Stromile Swift and Rudy Gay, the eighth overall pick in this summer's draft.

The 6-8 Battier was the sixth overall selection in the 2001 draft, the Grizzlies' first pick after their move from Vancouver.

Battier scored 15 of his 18 points in the first half and Yao Ming added 17 and 10 rebounds for Houston in a 96-90 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.

It was a disappointing defeat for the Rockets, who routed the defending Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

Hakim Warrick scored 21 points and Chucky Atkins added 19 for Memphis in a 96-85 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. The Grizzlies erased an eight-point deficit to draw even at 81-81 with 5:18 left, but the Pistons pulled away down the stretch.

Memphis swept the four-game season series with Houston last season.