Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal traveled with the team to Oklahoma City, but was inactive for Sunday's game against the Thunder.

Boston coach Doc Rivers and O'Neal both expressed hope that the center could suit up later in this four-game road trip.

"When I got on the plane, Shaq came on the plane," said Rivers.

"That's how much decision I made in it. I don't even ask. I never do. If he's healthy, he comes. If he's not, he doesn't. If he thinks he has a chance to play -- and that's between him and [Celtics trainer] Eddie [Lacerte], then he comes. But I never get involved in that. At least I try not to. I don't ever want a player to feel like I'm pushing him."

O'Neal, who has a bruised right knee, has been sidelined ever since bumping legs with New York's Amar'e Stoudemire late last month.