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Shaq will miss Miami, Washington

Print | Comments () Posted by Julian Benbow, Globe Staff April 9, 2011 12:26 PM

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By Julian Benbow, Globe staff

Shaquille O'Neal was not on the team flight to Miami this morning and will miss both tomorrow's game against Miami and Monday's matchup with the Wizards in Washington.

Rivers was cautiously optimistic about O'Neal returning to the lineup Sunday after missing the past three games with a strained calf. O'Neal missed 26 straight games with an inflamed Achilles, returned last Sunday against the Pistons but played just six minutes before aggravating his calf.

Rivers has said that he'd like to have O'Neal practice once before returning, but when the Celtics come back from their trip, they have an off day before their season finale against New York, meaning the likelihood of O'Neal returning before the playoffs is slim.

Jermaine O'Neal, who sat out last night's win over the Wizards, made the trip along with Von Wafer, who skipped the trip to Chicago.