Shaq Likely out for Rest of Playoffs

Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal might not return for the rest of the NBA Playoffs, according to a recent report from The Eagle-Tribune.

According to the report, Doc Rivers and the rest of the Celtics team will proceed through the playoffs with the understanding that O'Neal will not be returning.

The Celtics reportedly came to this conclusion when Shaq failed to sprint up and down the court during a conditioning test on Saturday.

Rivers will reportedly turn to Jermaine O'Neal to fill the center position, with Glen Davis and Nenad Krstic serving as backups.

"If he were to come back, it would have to be a miraculous recovery," said a source to The Eagle-Tribune. "And at his age (he turned 39 on March 6) and physical condition, the Celtics have planned accordingly."

Shaq injured his knee back in October, and ever since then, he has been suffering from additional injuries and a sluggish recovery.

According to the newspaper's source, retirement seems likely for Shaq, even though he still has a year with the Celtics left on his contract.

(Sources: FOXSports.com, The Eagle-Tribune)

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