"With each passing day, it seems Celtics coach Doc Rivers is becoming more and more resigned to the idea that there is no clear return date for Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal, only small signs that the two will return before season's end.

Shaquille began shooting yesterday for the first time since going down with an inflamed right Achilles' tendon Feb. 4. He has missed 18 games. The Celtics had expected him back in the lineup after the All-Star break, but the date was continually pushed back.

"I don't even know what the time frame is,'' Rivers said. "But the fact that he's on the floor means sooner than later, I hope.''"