Shaquille O'Neal's regular season could be over. Now the Cavaliers hope the center they acquired for the postseason will be back in time for the playoffs.

O'Neal will undergo surgery on Monday to repair his injured right thumb. He was examined on Sunday by Dr Thomas Graham at the National Hand Center in Baltimore. Graham will perform the surgery.

The Cavaliers said they will update a timeline for his return following the procedure, but a typical recovery period is 6 to 8 weeks. There are seven weeks left in the regular season.

"I think we'll be all right," point guard Mo Williams said before learning O'Neal needed surgery. "We'll weather the storm while the big fella gets some rest."

The Cavaliers acquired O'Neal last summer with an eye toward the postseason and, more specifically, Dwight Howard and Orlando after the Magic eliminated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals. O'Neal has played well for the Cavaliers this season, averaging 12 points and 6.7 rebounds in 53 games.