Shaquille O’Neal’s injured right thumb to be examined by hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham

O’Neal to have thumb examined by hand specialist

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal will have his injured right thumb examined Sunday by Dr. Thomas Graham at the National Hand Center in Baltimore.

An MRI Saturday confirmed the injury was a significant sprain. O’Neal, who was hurt during a win at Boston on Thursday, will miss Monday’s game against New York.

The team has not provided any timeline for his return.

With O’Neal out of the lineup, Anderson Varejao will continue to start at center. Former backup Zydrunas Ilgauskas, traded to Washington for Antawn Jamison, is now a free agent following a buyout from the Wizards. Ilgauskas is free to sign with any team, but will have to wait until March 21 under NBA rules should he elect to re-sign with the Cavaliers.

Cleveland also recalled rookie Danny Green from Erie of the NBA Development League. He was assigned to Erie on Feb. 24 and played in two games for the BayHawks.