Shaquille O'Neal had diagnostic tests on his ailing left hip
Tuesday, and the Miami Heat did not expect O'Neal to play against
San Antonio Spurs Thursday.
Heat did not immediately release the MRI exam results. Team
coach Pat Riley said the hip is inflamed, which has led to a fluid
buildup in the joint.
O'Neal suffered the hip injury while diving for a loose ball
against Utah on Dec. 22, and missed eight games from Dec. 28
through Jan. 11.
In Monday's game against Cleveland, O'Neal left in the first
quarter to have the hip re-taped, then returned to the game with a
noticeable limp. He scored 10 points in the game, but zero in
second half.
Since the team may have their center sidelined again for
possibly an indefinite period, Riley said the team might try to add
another big man for depth.
With a career-low 14.2 points this season, O'Neal's string of 14
straight All-Star Game selections could be in jeopardy.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)