O’Neal Is Uncertain for Tonight

Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal was unable to practice Monday because of his bruised right thigh, and his availability for the final two regular-season games was uncertain.

Coach Stan Van Gundy said O’Neal’s status is day to day, yet reiterated that he wouldn’t rush him back. Van Gundy, however, said he expected O’Neal to be ready for the playoffs, beginning this weekend.

“Right now, we’ve got to get the swelling out of the thigh,” Van Gundy said. “That’s the first step. He’s not at that point yet. I would be very, very surprised if he can play [tonight].”

Miami, one game behind San Antonio for the second-best record in the league, plays host to Charlotte tonight and ends the regular season Wednesday at Orlando.

O’Neal, unavailable for comment, was hurt Sunday when he was kneed by Indiana Pacer forward Jermaine O’Neal while defending a drive to the basket. He left shortly before halftime and didn’t return.

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Indiana guard Anthony Johnson was suspended for one game by the NBA for throwing a punch at Miami center Alonzo Mourning in Sunday’s game. Johnson threw the punch with 1:41 left in the game after being fouled by the Heat’s Dwyane Wade and colliding with Mourning.

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Three months after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist, forward Richard Jefferson said that he would play if the New Jersey Nets made the playoffs and would meet with his hand surgeon Wednesday in an attempt to get clearance.

Jefferson, hurt against Detroit on Dec. 27, plans to wear a brace or some type of protective gear when he plays. He averaged 22.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in 33 games.

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The Denver Nuggets activated shooting guard Voshon Lenard, who has sat out all but one game of the regular season because of a torn Achilles’ tendon.

The team also put forward-center Marcus Camby (hamstring) on the injured list, though he will be eligible for the playoffs.

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The Chicago Bulls put center Eddy Curry on the injured list and signed veteran forward Lawrence Funderburke. Curry was ruled out for the season and playoffs last week because of an irregular heartbeat.