Shaquille O’Neal Forgets Time of Celtics’ Practice But Avoids Doc Rivers’ Wrath

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Nov 29, 2010

WALTHAM, Mass. — The Celtics have been extremely cautious this season with Shaquille O'Neal, taking things slowly with the 38-year-old center to avoid any unforeseen health flareups. As a result, he's missed more than his share of practices this year.

But when the C's took the court without O'Neal on Monday afternoon in Waltham, they were without Shaq for a reason that wasn't health-related at all.

"He got the times mixed up, so he missed one [practice]," coach Doc Rivers said. "He owes us one."

The C's were planning to meet at noon to take the floor for practice, and then board their plane at 3 p.m. to head to Cleveland for Tuesday night's game against the Cavaliers. Shaq got the two times confused, so when the C's suited up at noon, he was nowhere to be seen. Oops.

"I was going to spank him, but I don't think I want to do that," Rivers said when asked about punishing O'Neal. "It might not hurt him. It may hurt me."

The Celtics already had two days of rest this weekend, taking both Saturday and Sunday off after a spotless 3-0 week against Atlanta, New Jersey and Toronto. While the rest of the Celtics were ready to work on Monday, Shaq got to lay low for another day.

"He got more rest than we anticipated him getting," Rivers said. "But he's feeling good. He should be feeling great."

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