Shaq to miss 2nd straight game for Celtics

Published Dec. 11, 2010 11:13 a.m. ET

foxsports

Shaquille O'Neal will miss his second straight game as the Boston Celtics remain cautious with the big man's sore right calf.

Coach Doc Rivers announced at shootaround before Saturday's game against Charlotte that O'Neal would sit out. O'Neal said he was willing to take pain medication and play, but agreed with the decision to rest.

O'Neal says he'll ''take these next couple days off and try to get it right.'' The 38-year-old added that Rivers ''does a great job managing the old, antique cars.''

O'Neal's absence leaves the Celtics limited in the middle with Kendrick Perkins out until February following knee surgery and Jermaine O'Neal sidelined with a sore left knee.

Semih Erden started at center in Thursday's win over Philadelphia.

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