Anthony Gruppuso/US Presswire

Chris Wilcox is out indefinitely due to a cardiac issue.LOS ANGELES -- Boston Celtics forward Chris Wilcox is suffering from a cardiac issue and will be out indefinitely.

Wilcox, who did not travel with the team to Los Angeles for their game with the Lakers on Sunday, had routine cardiac testing recently, and follow-up results indicated that a further work-up is necessary, according to the team.

Wilcox played 14 minutes in a loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, but sat out Friday's game due to what the team termed "personal reasons." Celtics coach Doc Rivers did not elaborate then when asked about his health.

A team spokesman said the team is uncertain exactly when the follow-up tests will be administered, but it's unlikely it will occur until early next week, meaning the Celtics will be shorthanded as they open a season-long eight-game road trip that kicks off Sunday against the Lakers.

For Boston, the news about Wilcox is a sobering development. Forget that the Celtics are playing some of their most inspired ball of the season and that Wilcox has emerged as a key contributor off the bench, Boston already endured the loss of Jeff Green, who had his contract voided before the season after a routine physical detected an aortic aneurysm.

Green, who is sitting out the entire 2011-12 season with hopes of returning to the court next year, underwent surgery in January at the Cleveland Clinic. Only last week, Green returned to the area to continue his rehab and joined the Celtics on the bench for the first time this season last Sunday in a win over the Knicks.

Wilcox is averaging 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds over 17.2 minutes per game. He started the year slow and missed 10 games due to minor injuries, including shoulder and adductor strains. Over his last eight games, Wilcox had averaged 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over 21.1 minutes per game.