Olajuwon Has Hernia Surgery

Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon had surgery Wednesday to repair an inguinal hernia.

Dr. Walter Lowe, the team physician, said the 45-minute outpatient procedure to correct a gap in Olajuwon's abdominal wall should end the extreme pain and weakness initially attributed to a groin strain. Olajuwon, expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks, left Friday night's game against Portland in the third quarter.

The 16-year veteran was averaging 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Rockets, who had a 4-11 record heading into Wednesday night's game in Phoenix.

Prior to the game, the Rockets activated center Thomas Hamilton, who has been on the injured list since Nov. 20 because of a lower back strain. Hamilton has played in four games this season, averaging 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds.

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