The Celtics' worst nightmare came true on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons when veteran center Shaquille O'Neal suffered yet another injury just five minutes into his comeback from an Achilles injury that had kept him sidelined since February 1st.
In the first minute of the second quarter, O'Neal (six points) came up limping and favoring his right foot while running up the floor. O'Neal limped off the court and was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. Boston won the game, 101-90.
The severity of O'Neal's injury is not yet known, and Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was uncertain about whether or not he would play O'Neal in Boston's remaining regular season games.
"I don't know what to do, honestly," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said when asked if O'Neal should be shut down for the rest of the regular season. "My inclination is not, because he needs to play. We have to play at full-tilt in six or seven [games]."
O'Neal was unavailable for comment after the game, as he reportedly left the stadium prior to the game's end. In 36 games with the Celtics this season, O'Neal is averaging 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest.