TORONTO _ The Toronto Raptors had limited options off the bench for Sunday afternoon's home game against the Phoenix Suns.
Raptors centre Jermaine O'Neal missed the game with a right knee contusion, while forward Jason Kapono sat out with flu-like symptoms. The duo joined starting point guard Jose Calderon (right hamstring) on the sidelines, leaving the Raptors with just nine healthy bodies Sunday. O'Neal, acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the off-season, sat out for the 10th time in the past 11 games. The 30-year-old returned Friday night against the Pacers, but had just two points in 17 minutes.
A team spokesman said O'Neal will be eased back into the lineup as he returns from the knee injury, and is listed as probable for Monday's game in Atlanta.
O'Neal has been featured prominently in trade rumours. Reports say Miami and Toronto have been discussing a deal that would see O'Neal go to the Heat in exchange for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.
