Jermaine

O'Neal

O’Neal is listed as day-to-day, but this is something to monitor when drafting.

O’Neal is listed as day-to-day with a sprained left foot.

O’Neal could play if the game meant something, but we have no problem with him sitting out a handful of preseason games.

“The longer we keep winning, the slower the [healing] process is going to be,” O’Neal said. “I’m going to take my time and get healthy.” As long as he feels the team is surviving without him, O’Neal plans to be cautious.

Physically, I’m a little worn down,’' said O’Neal, who is playing with foot, hand, knee, and hip injuries. ''The last two games have been really rough on me.’' Hopefully the Eastern team will hold his minutes down, since the Pacers will need him if they’re going to make a run after the break.

O’Neal, who will be a free agent this summer, appears to want to remain with the Pacers, but he also likes the Spurs and the Magic.

“Right now, it’s not a good situation for me,” O’Neal said. “I’ll have to see the doctor (this morning) and go from there. But right now, the preseason is not even a concern of mine. I’m no good to this team without my mobility. I’ve got to get healthy.”

O’Neal has already dealt with a sore back and a sprained ankle. Even his elbows and shoulders have given him some problems. He links these issues to three consecutive summers of competition for U.S. teams in international competition. His owners should be aware a breakdown is possible, but until then, keep him in the lineup.

O’Neal hopes to return to game action by at least Friday. Don’t expect him to play a full 82 games this season, but don’t be afraid of drafting him so long as you can find a good reserve.

O’Neal’s status remains classified as day-to-day until the results of the MRI are known. He has tendinitis that should keep him out tonight and possibly longer.