Shaquille O'Neal suffered a severely sprained right thumb in the first half of the Cavs' game in Boston on Thursday night. The Cavs beat the Celtics, 108-88.
O'Neal did not play in the second half. He will be re-evaluated to determine how long the injury will keep him out of action.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas reached a buyout agreement with the Wizards but will not be eligible to return to Cleveland until March 21. The Cavs are considered heavy favorites to re-sign Ilgauskas and may need the veteran center more than ever if O'Neal is sidelined for a significant period of time.