Shaq could return Wednesday against Bulls after 8-game hiatus

MIAMI -- Heat center Shaquille O'Neal is likely to play Wednesday against the Bulls after practicing Tuesday as he attempts to come back from a hip injury that has sidelined him for eight games.

Coach Pat Riley said he will "surely, probably" have O'Neal in the starting lineup. The Heat have lost 10 consecutive games and their 8-28 record is the worst in the Eastern Conference.

O'Neal bruised his left hip Dec. 22 when he dived for a loose ball and slid into the scorer's table during a win over Utah. He aggravated the injury Dec. 26 against Philadelphia and has not played since.

"I think his explosion has looked good the last two days," guard Dwyane Wade said. "The main thing is to stay healthy as he continues to go through practices and games."

A sore left knee has also contributed to the least productive season in O'Neal's 16-year career. He is averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds.