Celtics Pierce Misses Practice, Delonte Hits Floor
WALTHAM (AP) - Paul Pierce is home sick. Shaq is out with a sore Achilles' tendon.
A day before their rematch with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics were down to 10 healthy players in practice. Semih Erden also sat out with a strained leg muscle.
On the bright side, Delonte West participated in his first full-contact practice since he broke his right wrist Nov. 24 against New Jersey.
Rivers said he expects Pierce to play Thursday but not O'Neal or Erden. It's the second rematch of last season's NBA finals. The Celtics, who lost the series in seven games, won 109-96 Jan. 30 at Staples Center.
Rivers cautioned his players to use good judgment so that West's right wrist wouldn't be hit.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
