Shaq misses game due to personal reasons

Despite O’Neal’s absence, Miami made a blistering 54 percent of its shots and got key contributions from Dwyane Wade (39 points) and Udonis Haslem (16 points, 15 rebounds) as it put an end to the Bulls’ nine-game winning streak.

The win clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the Heat, who will have homecourt advantage throughout the conference playoffs. Miami is now 56-19 overall and has won 16 of its last 19 games.

In addition, the Heat extended their franchise-best homecourt winning streak to 18 games and tied the team-record with their 33rd home victory of the season.

O’Neal, who is in his first season with the Heat, has posted 23.0 points and 10.6 rebounds per game this year.

The 33-year-old O’Neal, in his 13th NBA campaign, has career totals of 26.8 points and 12.0 boards per outing with Orlando, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Heat. In addition, O’Neal has won three NBA titles where he was named the Finals most valuable player each time and was also selected as the league’s MVP in 1999-2000.

Michael Doleac started in O’Neal’s place, but ended with only two points and four rebounds.