Doc Rivers: 'Some Improvement' On Shaq, Will Play During Playoffs
WALTHAM (CBS) - Celtics head coach Doc Rivers expects to see Shaquille O'Neal at some point during the playoffs.
But like everyone else, he just does not know when.
It will not be Friday when the Celtics play the Knicks in New York in Game three of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Friday night.
"No, He's not going to play. He's going to try to go tomorrow, I just don't see it," Rivers said at the Celtics practice facility on Wednesday. "I'm going to be a real doctor and say 'I doubt it.' He is going to try to do things tomorrow, so we'll see."
Doc Rivers Expects To See Shaq Return During Playoffs
Rivers would not rule out Shaq playing in Game four on Sunday, although that seems like a stretch.
"I'm not sure yet, it depends what's best," said the Celtics coach. "If you see him on the trip that means he's close."
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O'Neal has not played since injuring his calf on March 3rd. He played just six minutes against the Detroit Pistons, scoring six points in five minutes as he returned from an Achilles injury.
Shaq has tried numerous times to return from his most recent ailment, both before and during the playoffs, to no avail. There was a report out Wednesday saying O'Neal would be shut down for the rest of the playoffs. But his coach said the 7-1 center has gotten better over the last week.
"He's had some improvement but I don't know how much," Rivers said. "I'm just going by what (trainer Ed) Lacerte and (team physician Brian) McKeon have told me."
O'Neal averaged 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 37 regular season games for the Celtics.
