Sounds like McNeal is out...

[MUshrooms]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=575928

"I'm not holding out great hope," said Crean. "Would we love it? Would he love it? No question about it. Are we going to go into the week planning on having him? Probably not.

Up until I read this article I was holding out hope that Jerel would be able to play on Thursday... To me, this pretty much shows it's not much of a possibility.

[chapman]

Didn't really sound like they know either way yet.  They're planning for him to not be a factor though.  I think every player, coach, team doctor, and fan needs to be reminded that it'll be 8 months until we get another game.  I can't call this season a success with a loss on Thursday.

[downtown85]

I agree chapman.  I've had sprained thumbs before.  It takes a while to heal but you can suck it up and play, especially after giving it 13 days to heal.  He could reinjure it though.  If he does, he will be fine for next season. 

I bet he plays. 

[SqueallyDRyan]

usual coach speak if you ask me, they'll be ready for anything

[NCMUFan]

Is the glass half empty or half full.  Guess any way you want to look at it.  McNeal wants to play.  He, himself said he could handle the pain for two hours.  Its a matter of whether his level of play is at a level to help, not hurt the team.

[WashDCWarrior]

Put a hard cast on him and send him out there.  Even if he doesn't do much offensively, he should be able to drive Knight-sul nutty.