MIAMI -- Shaquille O'Neal wants to play in the Miami Heat's season opener Wednesday at New Jersey despite a strained left hamstring.
O'Neal said after Tuesday's practice the hamstring felt awkward when he ran. He hurt himself nearly three weeks ago and aggravated the injury last week in an exhibition game.
Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said O'Neal's availability won't be determined until game time. If O'Neal cannot play, Michael Doleac will start at center against the Nets.
"You don't want to take something small and make it big. ... It's real frustrating," O'Neal said. "I've done a lot of work. I wanted things to be perfect, but you just have to adjust and wait until it becomes perfect."
O'Neal missed 15 games in each of the past three seasons with foot and leg injuries.
"If he's healthy, he'll play," Van Gundy said. "If not, he won't."
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