A “locked hip” will keep Shaq out of tomorrow’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He might also miss the road trip that follows. (ESPN)

“It’s his hip. It’s locked,” said Rivers. “I don’t know what the hell that means. I don’t know if there’s a key you go get or something like that. That’s all it is. It’s not a serious injury, but he’s also 38 years old. We’re going to be very cautious.

“I know [O'Neal will] miss [Tuesday] unless something happens with a miracle. And the flight to Portland [for Thursday's game vs. the Trial Blazers] is a difficult flight, seven hours or whatever. I, personally, think that would be tough for him. After that, he’s pretty much available, but we want to avoid back-to-backs if we can.”

I’m at the point where I don’t even bat an eyelash when Shaq misses games. His injuries are all, as Doc Rivers once put it, “because he’s old as hell.” It’s nothing to worry about long-term, just annoying absences that will mark the season.

With Shaq out, Semih Erden will continue to play big minutes. Erden’s starting to grow accustomed to the NBA pace, and has begun posting some solid rebounding numbers. But, in an ideal world, he’d be riding a whole lot of pine.

Marquis Daniels might also miss tomorrow’s game. He’s home tending to a family issue, and Doc Rivers said he’s “50-50 at best” for the Cavs.