Shaq Returns ... Then He Gets Hurt Again

Shaquille O'Neal is a major piece of the Celtics championship puzzle so his comeback from an achilles injury tonight after missing more than two months was important news in Boston.

Just a few minutes into his return, Shaq hobbled off the floor with what the team is calling a calf strain. He did not return in the team's 101-90 win over the Pistons.


A healthy Shaq will be needed for the Celtics to navigate their way to a championship. His imposing presence in the paint on both ends of the floor gives the Celtics much needed size and with Kendrick Perkins grabbing rebounds and setting screens in Oklahoma City these days, the Celtics need him to be ready for the playoffs.

A calf strain should only hold Shaq out for about two weeks, so he should be ready for the start of the playoffs at the end of the month. If Shaq is available and ready to contribute, the Celtics will have enough depth and size to get past the Heat, Bulls, and Lakers to win the title.