The Celtics have survived this past week despite a dearth of big men. Now, it looks like the worst of that is behind them.
After missing the last four games with a sore calf, Shaquille O'Neal will return to action on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. Shaq will start for the first time since Dec. 8, relegating Semih Erden back to the bench, where he's shined this season.
Erden has been slowed this weekend by a groin pull, but he will be in uniform and should see some minutes off the bench. The Celtics' third center, Jermaine O'Neal, won't be active Sunday, but is nearing a return from his recent knee injury.
Against the Pacers, the C's will need all the size they can get. Indiana coach Jim O'Brien will start four guys standing 6-foot-9 or taller around point guard Darren Collison, making for a really difficult matchup for Doc Rivers' C's.
Here's the complete lineup card for C's-Pacers:
Celtics
Nate Robinson, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Shaquille O'Neal, C
Pacers
Darren Collison, PG
Danny Granger, SG
Mike Dunleavy, SF
Jeff Foster, PF
Roy Hibbert, C
