Shaq To Play In Game 2 or Game 3 (UPDATED)

I know, I know I am sick of these too, and I really don't believe any of it, but it does seem Shaq is actually really close to returning...

"Shaq did miss Game 1 against the Heat on Sunday, however he could finally return to the active roster on Tuesday for Game 2.

"He's getting very close," Doc Rivers told ESPNBoston.com. "Honestly, we had to actually make a decision today, so that's better than what we've had to do in the past. He's getting close. Maybe next game. If not, I would say for sure Game 3 (ESPN)."

This is big for a couple reasons. First off, the 2nd unit needs some kind of spark, and maybe Shaq can be that guy. The second is that the Heat ate the Celtics up with points in the paint and having another big body can only help. What we can actually get out of Shaq is a big question, but if he can play 12 mins I think he could have a pretty big effect on this series.

***UPDATE***

Shaq won't play in Tuesday's Game 2, but it's sounding like Game 3 is within reach.

"Shaq update: still out," tweeted Howard Beck of the New York Times. "But Doc says he had a 'phenomenal' practice (Monday) and could play Game 3 (ESPN)."

I'll believe it when I see it.