National Basketball Association

Rivers expects Shaq to play in Game 3

Published May. 5, 2011 5:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

Shaquille O'Neal is expected to play for the Boston Celtics in the playoffs for the first time in Game 3 against the Miami Heat.

Coach Doc Rivers said Thursday the center likely will return from a right calf injury Saturday night to face the Heat, who lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-0.

O'Neal had missed 27 games with a sore right leg. He returned April 4 against Detroit but lasted 5 minutes, 29 seconds before leaving with the calf problem.

Rivers said that barring a setback, O'Neal will play Saturday but won't start.

O'Neal played 37 games this season, averaging 20.3 minutes, 9.2 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Celtics traded center Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City on Feb. 24, hoping O'Neal would return sooner.