National Basketball Association

Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal not back yet

Published Mar. 25, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal are expected to be sidelined at least another week for the Boston Celtics.

Shaquille missed his 23rd straight game with a strained left Achilles' tendon Friday night when the Celtics played the Charlotte Bobcats. Jermaine, who missed his 34th in a row, had surgery on his left knee on Feb. 4.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said before the game that Jermaine would join the Celtics in Indiana for Monday night's game but wouldn't play. Rivers said Jermaine thinks he's ready to practice on Wednesday.

Shaquille has been wearing a removable boot on his left foot, but Rivers said that doesn't indicate a setback. He said it could be ''a week or so'' before he plays, but ''I've been saying a week now for three weeks.'' He also said he expected O'Neal to be ready for the playoffs.