Sprained MCL to sideline Heat’s Shane Battier

The Heat will be without Shane Battier for an undetermined time with a sprained MCL. Teammate LeBron James first alerted the media to Battier’s status at a Monday session.

As LeBron let it slip today, don't be surprised if Shane Battier misses at least a week with sprained MCL.—
Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) November 26, 2012

LeBron's exact quote before he backtracked: "It's unfortunate to not have Shane (Battier) the next few games."—
Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) November 26, 2012

Battier was injured when teammate Udonis Haslem was knocked backwards into his knee while taking a charge from the Cavs’ Alonzo Gee.

Battier immediately grabbed his knee, left the game and did not return. He followed with a Twitter update:

Thanks for all the notes peeps, I will be alright. My knee got caught in a weird position as I got tangled up. Mild sprain. Be back in a few—
Shane Battier (@ShaneBattier) November 25, 2012

Battier has been an effective passer, defender and three-point shooter, hitting 45.8 percent from behind the arc for the Heat. His absence could mean more playing time for Rashard Lewis, who has struggled in his first season in Miami.