Really depends on Pierce's right knee. It was stiff on Friday and he said he couldn't play if the game was that day. Important to find out the status before making a play. No doubt he will play tonight, but how will his knee affect his lateral mobility on defense and will it affect his ability to drive to the hoop or elevate on his outside shot.
WALTHAM, Mass. -- Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce practiced without difficulty Sunday and was cleared to play in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Paul's good," coach Doc Rivers said.
Pierce wore a white sleeve over his knee as he played pickup with Sam Cassell at the end of Sunday morning's shootaround at the team's practice facility. Rivers said Pierce showed no ill-effects of the right knee sprain that sent him to the locker room in a wheelchair during Game 1.
Pierce does not talk to the media after game-day shootarounds, Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said.
The news on center Kendrick Perkins, who sprained his ankle in Boston's 98-88 victory in Game 1, isn't as certain. He did nothing more strenuous than shoot free throws at the shootaround and will be a game-time decision for Game 2.
"There's just no reason to push him," Rivers said. "With an ankle, it's going to swell up. Let him swell up after the game instead of now."
If Perkins can't play, P.J. Brown would take his place in the starting lineup.
Both players responded well to the extra day of rest between the first two games of the best-of-seven series, Rivers said.
"I like the every other day rotation," Rivers said. "But in this case, we needed the extra day."
"Paul's good," coach Doc Rivers said.
Pierce wore a white sleeve over his knee as he played pickup with Sam Cassell at the end of Sunday morning's shootaround at the team's practice facility. Rivers said Pierce showed no ill-effects of the right knee sprain that sent him to the locker room in a wheelchair during Game 1.
Pierce does not talk to the media after game-day shootarounds, Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said.
The news on center Kendrick Perkins, who sprained his ankle in Boston's 98-88 victory in Game 1, isn't as certain. He did nothing more strenuous than shoot free throws at the shootaround and will be a game-time decision for Game 2.
"There's just no reason to push him," Rivers said. "With an ankle, it's going to swell up. Let him swell up after the game instead of now."
If Perkins can't play, P.J. Brown would take his place in the starting lineup.
Both players responded well to the extra day of rest between the first two games of the best-of-seven series, Rivers said.
"I like the every other day rotation," Rivers said. "But in this case, we needed the extra day."
Crazy how the series price is still Lakers -130 or so. It was only Lakers -180 before game 1. While I think the Lakers have a good chance to win it, this price is ridiculous. Took Boston +166 and I am going to hold that ticket as they may win again today. I look at the rebound disparity in game 1.
