Shaq Doubtful Against Golden State Tonight
For at least a night, Cleveland fans will have to remember what the Cavs looked like without their 7-foot joker next to their King.
Shaquille O’Neal is considered doubtful for tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors, as he continues to rehabilitate a shoulder strain.
Shaq was scratched from the lineup minutes before the Cavs’ 107-103 victory over Utah on Saturday, leaving Zydrunas Ilgauskas to man the space down front.
“We can be cautious during this time of the year,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said Monday. “We’re not going to rush anybody back, let alone Shaq. Even though guys may miss a few practices here and there or a few games here and there, this is the time to do it as opposed to the end of the year.”
Thanks to the magic healing powers of Phoenix’s training staff, Shaq managed to appear in 75 games last season in Phoenix, his most since the 1999-00 season with the L.A. Lakers.
The Cavs have to hope Shaq recovers quickly, as they face a brutal slate of four games in five days this week, starting with the Warriors tonight. Cleveland has won seven of their past eight games after starting the season 0-2.
“Obviously, I think we’re a very, very good club,” Brown said. “It’s part of the ups and downs of a season when you have guys that are injured or have a sickness. We have to go out there and keep playing.”
