Posted on Wed, Jan. 23, 2008

Heat center O'Neal might be out a month

MIAMI --

Heat center O'Neal might be out a month

The Heat's ability to break its 14-game losing streak didn't get any easier Tuesday when it was learned Shaquille O'Neal could miss as much as a month with acute inflammation of the left hip and quadriceps.The team said O'Neal will spend two weeks receiving treatment and ice for the inflammation and fluid that has accumulated. If the inflammation and fluid have subsided, more time will be needed for rehabilitation. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Around the league

ATLANTA: The Hawks suspended backup center Zaza Pachulia for tonight's game at Denver for conduct detrimental to the team. The team did not describe the nature of his transgression. Pachulia, however, had a run-in with coach Mike Woodson during Monday's 111-109 overtime loss to Portland.

DENVER: A testicular tumor removed from forward Nene was malignant. The team said tests showed the cancer was isolated.

• Forward Carmelo Anthony is doubtful for Denver's game against Atlanta tonight because of a sprained left ankle.

NEW YORK: Point guard Stephon Marbury had surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle and is out indefinitely. The Knicks have made it clear the surgery was Marbury's choice.

PHOENIX: Forward Grant Hill was back in the starting lineup Tuesday night, less than two weeks after having an appendectomy. He had eight points in 27 minutes. -- observer news services