NBA: LaMarcus Aldridge returning for Spurs

LaMarcus Aldridge has been cleared by doctors to return to action, four days after he was diagnosed with heart arrhythmia. The Spurs managed to rack up a couple of wins in his absence against the Golden State Warriors (107-85) and then the Atlanta Hawks (107-99) at home. He is expected to make his return Wednesday against his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Aldridge, 31, had missed the final nine games of the 2007 season after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, an abnormality that can cause a rapid heartbeat. He underwent a procedure to fix the problem and had the same procedure in 2011.

After Aldridge’s arrhythmia in Oklahoma City last Thursday, the Spurs medical staff led a process that included multiple tests and examinations as well as consultation with numerous experts in the field.

Aldridge holds averages of 17.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocked shots per outing. The Spurs have won 11 of their past 12 contests and own the second-best record in the NBA at 52-14 behind the Golden State Warriors (53-14). (AFP)