O’Neal practiced Tuesday and is set to return Wednesday night against Houston. Hunter said he’d likely tinker with the starting lineup as a result — probably relieving Markieff and Marcus Morris of spot duty at center.

O’Neal scored in double digits in the three games prior to his absence, recording a double-double twice.

“He looked really good,” Hunter said. “He provides that bravado for us.”

How O’Neal’s return will affect Haddadi’s attempt at a breakout to close the season remains to be seen.

“We’ll see what happens,” Haddadi said.