Shaq Needs Thumb Surgery

Shaquille O’Neal will undergo surgery to repair his right thumb today, which will almost certainly cause him to miss the rest of the regular season. The Cavaliers’ big man was injured against the Celtics Thursday, after one of his shots was blocked by Glen “Big Baby” Davis. The procedure typically sidelines players for 6-8 weeks, meaning Shaq could be back just in time for the playoffs, if recovery goes well.

In the meantime, Anderson Varejao will serve as starting center. “I think we’ll be all right,” point guard Mo Williams said, before learning that O’Neal needed surgery. “Without Shaq, it'll be more pick and rolls, more drive and kicks. We'll spread the floor.” (More Shaquille O'Neal stories.)