O’Neal Tests Bruised Calf as Kings Await

Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal’s status is a game-time decision tonight at Sacramento after he practiced briefly and said his bruised left calf was improving, the team said.

The workout consisted mainly of shooting drills, and lasted less than an hour.

O’Neal did not play in Miami’s victory Tuesday over Boston, the first game he has sat out this season.

O’Neal is averaging 20.9 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat, which is 20-7 -- the best record in the Eastern Conference.

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Sacramento King guard Bobby Jackson has a torn ligament in his left wrist that will require surgery and could sideline him for three months.

Jackson was injured Tuesday in Sacramento’s victory over Washington.

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Vince Carter was introduced as a New Jersey Net at a news conference in which he turned to owner Bruce Ratner and team President Rod Thorn and said, “I thank both you guys for bringing me here. I won’t let you down. I promise.”

Carter, who has not played for the team because of a sore Achilles’ tendon, said he hoped to debut Monday at Detroit.

Carter was acquired last week from Toronto in exchange for forwards Eric Williams and Aaron Williams, center Alonzo Mourning and a pair of first-round draft picks.