Cavaliers Gamble On Shaq Postponed By Thumb Surgery

The Cleveland Cavaliers season this year is mirroring the one they had last year. The cavaliers are first in the Eastern Conference, and appear destined to make another title run. One of the keys to that run is Shaquille O'Neal.

Cleveland brought in O'Neal for the sloe purpose of shutting down Orlando's Dwight Howard in the playoffs. Now, there is a question as to whether Shaq will be ready to play when the playoffs begin.

O'Neal underwent surgery on his right thumb on Monday, and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. The average heal time for an injury of this magnitude is eight weeks.

Given Shaq's advanced age, it may take longer for the thumb to heal. If that is the case, the Cavaliers would head to the playoffs without their biggest off season acquisition. Even if he starts the playoffs on the sidelines, Shaq is expected back before Cleveland would meet Orlando in the playoffs.

Last year, Cleveland was the team to beat heading into the post season, but they ran into a hungry Magic team in the conference finals. Howard dominated the boards, and made it clear that Cleveland would have to address their inside game in the off season.

When the Phoenix Suns were willing to part with O'Neal, it seemed like a perfect match for the Cavs. O'Neal has previously won NBA titles with Kobe Bryant in L.A., and Dwyane Wade in Miami, so it seemed natural for him to try and get LeBron James his first championship.

March 1, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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