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Shaq Hurt 5 Minutes After Return

Shaquille O'Neal lasted a little more than five minutes in his return for the Boston Celtics on Sunday before limping off the floor with a strained right calf.

It's a different injury than the one that kept him out for the previous 27 games. The Celtics said he would be evaluated at halftime, and it's possible he could return.

O'Neal hadn't played since Feb. 1 because of a strained left Achilles' tendon. He came into the game with 4:43 left in the first quarter against Detroit and scored on Boston's first two possessions. He added another basket before taking a seat with three seconds left in the quarter.

He went back in for the start of the second, but during a break in the first minute he limped off to the locker room accompanied by medical staff.

O'Neal signed with the Celtics for the veteran's minimum last summer for the chance to win his fifth NBA title. He has been limited to 37 games this season and is averaging 9.3 points.

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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