Shaq won't play in Game 2

Boston Celtics' center Shaquille O'Neal will be out for Game 2 against the Knicks, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

But even with O'Neal wearing a different brace on his lower right leg to support his calf injury, head coach Doc Rivers is not giving up on the 39-year-old center playing at some point in the first-round series.

"I'm not going under that assumption [he's out of the series]. I'm going under the one he's not going in Game 2," said Rivers, who received a critical Game 1 lift at center from Jermaine O'Neal.

"He's got a different brace and we've got two days after this that he can practice hopefully," Rivers added. "Or even if he doesn't practice, do something on the floor with us. Then we'll make an evaluation."

Rivers said O'Neal did not even attempt to practice Monday.

"We're not even going to put him on the floor," Rivers said, citing advice from team physician Dr. Brian McKeon. "Not even going to try it."

The Celtics will look to take a 2-0 series lead Tuesday night before heading to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 Friday.