NBA: HOWARD HAS SUCCESSFUL BACK SURGERY

"The surgery was uneventful and Dwight is resting comfortably," spine surgeon Robert Watkins said in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel. Fragments from a herniated disk in Howard's back were removed during the procedure, which will sideline the six-times All Star for the remainder of the National Basketball Association season. He will also miss the London Olympics.

Watkins said Howard would begin a post-op walking program on Saturday. "The timing of his return to basketball will depend on his response to the rehabilitation program. We anticipate a full recovery," Watkins said. Reuters