Shaquille O'Neal won't really need to have LeBron James' back until playoff time.

After missing five straight games with a shoulder strain, Shaquille O’Neal practiced and is looking to return to action Wednesday night at Detroit against the Pistons.

Is anyone surprised he missed those games.

If you are, like Chad Ochocinco says, “Child please.”

When you’re the the size of O’Neal, a 17-year veteran and has pounding on people and getting pounded, the body will wear down. Even the strongest of men succumb to injures and O’Neal will have a few more before the regular season ends.

For the Cavaliers, it’s OK. As my barber Michael Hooks said, “He just needs to be ready come playoff time.”

Mike is right, but I’m wondering if he’s even going to be healthy come then. This is the last year of his contract so if he’ s wanting to go out on his shield, he’ll play through injuries.

With Big Ben back in Detroit manning the paint for the Pistons, it will be interesting to see how Wallace plays against his former team and O'Neal if O'Neal does come back from injury for tonight's game.