A Celtics team source on Wednesday said that Shaquille O'Neal is mending and on schedule for a return by April 1. That would give him two weeks to get reacquainted with the teammates he left -- and acquainted with the five new teammates with whom he has yet to play.

The Celtics have been understandably cautious in bringing back O'Neal, who, because of his age (39) and his girth (substantial), is not the best candidate for the type of injury he has. Achilles injuries can be notoriously slow to heal for even the most well-conditioned athletes.

Under the scenario outlined by the team source, O'Neal would be back probably by the April 3 game against Detroit. He would thus be back in time for the games against Chicago (April 7) and Miami (April 10), both of which are on the road.

That would be huge for Rivers, who, being a coach, won't allow himself to think such happy thoughts. But the return of Shaq would solidify both the starting five and the bench.