Jermaine O'Neal was activated by the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, more than a month after he injured his right shoulder so severely that the team once feared his season was over.

O'Neal wasn't in the starting lineup for the Pacers' game in Miami, but entered with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter. To make room on the roster, Indiana placed guard Jamaal Tinsley on the injured list with a bruised left foot.

``You hope he can get back for two or three games before the playoffs, just to get some conditioning and some rhythm back,'' Carlisle said.

``This was a very difficult injury,'' Carlisle said. ``We've been through a lot with it and we just want to make sure he's ready. It's his decision.''