Boston Celtics give injury updates on the O'Neals
The Boston Celtics received some promising news about Shaquille O’Neal but some disappointing news about Jermaine O’Neal. According to ESPNBoston.com, Shaquille will participate in the
team’s practice on Wednesday 10 November to test his injured right knee while Jermaine will sit it out.
Shaquille, who has missed the past five games, said he is looking forward to getting back on the court, even if it’s just a practice.
"I'm going to try it out today, but, yes, I'm feeling better," he said.
The Celtics play their next game against the Miami Heat on Thursday and Boston coach Doc Rivers remains unsure whether Shaquille will be able to suit up for the game. He notched nine points
and seven rebounds in the Celtics season-opening victory against the Heat.
"Listen, I don't know how much he's going to give us, number one., and, if he can give us a lot [Wednesday], I'm not going to allow him to give too much, because I'd rather have that [Thursday],”
said Rivers.
As for Jermaine, he was forced to miss the second half of Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks due to soreness in his knee. Much like Shaquille, he remains a question mark for Thursday’s
game and playing with both O’Neals out is a scary thought for Rivers.
"J.O. will not practice [Wednesday] and Shaq's going to try to do a little bit today to test it,” said Rivers. “I would say likely neither [will play Thursday], maybe our first adventure
into the no-big world. But we'll see. Maybe both. Who knows?"
The Celtics haven’t played a game this year with both O’Neals in the lineup but they’ve always had at least one in. The Celtics knew before signing the two players that Jermaine, 32, and
Shaquille, 38, would likely miss some games.
"I actually told [the media] that there will be games, and I honestly believe but was hoping not, that we wouldn't have either guy,” said Rivers.
If neither O’Neal can go against the Heat, it will likely be rookie Semih Erden getting the start at the centre position.
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