Shaq to play

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 on Thursday the center likely will return from a right calf injury on Saturday night against the Heat, who lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-0.

O'Neal has missed 27 games with a sore right leg. He returned on 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 on Saturday but won't start.