Shaq misses Wednesday's game with back ailment

Posted Jan 7 2009 8:25PM

PHOENIX (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal missed the Phoenix Suns' game Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers because of a back injury.

O'Neal, averaging 17.2 points and 9.0 rebounders, was replaced by rookie Robin Lopez in the Suns' starting lineup.

Coach Terry Porter said Shaq was experiencing "a lot of discomfort."

"He can't move around," Porter said.

The coach said O'Neal's lower back didn't bother him during practice Tuesday, but was hurting during Wednesday's shootaround.

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