Warriors C O’Neal expects to play

Injured Golden State Warriors backup center Jermaine O’Neal said he planned to play in Game 7 of the first-round playoff series at the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, according to the Bay Area News Group.

O’Neal injured his right knee during Game 6 on Thursday. An MRI revealed a bone bruise in his kneecap.

After taking medication and receiving a painkilling injection, O’Neal said he would likely wear a knee brace and play through any pain.

“A pretty good amount, but you try to weigh out the pain of not being able to help your team, doing the things necessary for your team to win a Game 7,” O’Neal said. “To me, that would be more pain than any physical ailment that you can go through, especially for a person in my position at this particular part of my career.

“I’m going to try to give everything I’ve got, and hopefully whatever I got is good enough to help my team win.”

O’Neal averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in the regular season.