Though the Celtics still can’t definitively state when Shaq will return, they’re now more confident he will play during the Miami series. (CSNNE)

“I’m more confident now that he will play in the series,” Rivers said. “Maybe (game) one, maybe two but I do think he’ll play. I guess he’s done some stuff with (trainer) Eddie (Lacerte). Eddie’s more confident that he’ll play so that makes me more confident.”

Shaq was scheduled to participate in skeleton drills (5-on-0 offense) yesterday, and could possibly increase his workload today.

“He just did a little bit yesterday,” Rivers said of O’Neal’s involvement in Thursday’s session. “Maybe (he’ll do) some more today, and really, that’s the only update that I have. There’s no decision made or anything.

Just like the rest of us, the Celtics aren’t really sure when Shaq will be ready. But they expect he will be, somewhat soon. (ESPN)

“He needs to show something [Saturday], maybe,” said Rivers. “Then feel better after that. Listen, I wish I could tell. I have no idea. I really don’t. My confidence comes from Eddie. Eddie walked in and said, ‘I feel a lot better about it.’ So, I feel better about it. That’s as much as I can tell you.”

And the saga continues. I can’t wait until Shaq finally returns, mostly so I don’t have to update his health every 24 hours.