[Basketball News]

INDIANAPOLIS(AP) Indiana forward Jermaine O'Neal missed the Pacers' game Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a sore left hamstring.

O'Neal leads the Pacers with 17.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game and ranks second in the NBA at 3.1 blocked shots.

``We're hopeful that by addressing this now it can preclude us from having to deal with something long term,'' Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said.

O'Neal missed 31 games last season with various injuries.

Carlisle said an MRI revealed that O'Neal's hamstring ``has the beginnings of a possible tear and significant swelling.''


Jermaine O’Neal Out With Hamstring Injury

[Lefty Noob]

Indiana better hope it's not serious. The Pacers can't afford to lose O'Neal again, like last season.

[ThePundit]

For such a young guy, O'Neal is chronically injured. You have to wonder if he will ever be able to stay healthy.