On Wednesday, Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers described center Shaquille O’Neal as “doubtful” to play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Heat. ESPN’s Chris Forsberg reports:
Shaquille O’Neal’s Injury Likely To Keep Him Out Of Game 5 Of Celtics-Heat Series
“It was physical [in Game 4],” Rivers said before the team’s shootaround Wednesday morning at American Airlines Arena. “I don’t know yet [about Wednesday’s Game 5]. I would say I doubt it. But we’ll see. [O’Neal played] a little stretch [in Game 4], then it got worse.”
O’Neal is still hampered by an Achilles injury that has bothered him for over a month. The 39-year-old big man has seen almost no action since January. He did appear for eight minutes during Saturday’s Game 3, and for four minutes during Game 4.
The Celtics, who play in Miami on Wednesday night, are currently looking at a 3-1 series deficit. If they can force the series to six or seven games, Game 6 will be played at home in Boston, and Game 7 will be on Miami’s court.
For more on Shaq and the Celtics, check out SB Nation’s Celtics blog, the appropriately-named CelticsBlog.
See More:
