Shaquille O'Neal had diagnostic tests on his ailing left hip Tuesday, and the Miami Heat did not expect O'Neal to play against San Antonio Spurs Thursday.

Heat did not immediately release the MRI exam results. Team coach Pat Riley said the hip is inflamed, which has led to a fluid buildup in the joint.

O'Neal suffered the hip injury while diving for a loose ball against Utah on Dec. 22, and missed eight games from Dec. 28 through Jan. 11.

In Monday's game against Cleveland, O'Neal left in the first quarter to have the hip re-taped, then returned to the game with a noticeable limp. He scored 10 points in the game, but zero in second half.

Since the team may have their center sidelined again for possibly an indefinite period, Riley said the team might try to add another big man for depth.

With a career-low 14.2 points this season, O'Neal's string of 14 straight All-Star Game selections could be in jeopardy.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)