Pierce Practices For Nets, Eyes Return vs. Celtics
BOSTON (CBS) - It's been 10 days since Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce broke his hand, and when the diagnosis first came down it seemed impossible that he would face his former team less than two weeks later.
But with the Celtics coming to town on Tuesday, Pierce returned to practice on Monday. He told reporters his hand felt good and there was "a good chance" he plays on Tuesday night, though a final decision won't come until after Tuesday morning's shootaround.
"It felt good – didn't really get tested like I'd like it to get tested, where I get a hit. But I thought I shot the ball really well, got up and down the court pretty good in practice," Pierce said Monday according to MassLive.com's Jay King.
"I've been able to shoot the last three days. Before that I probably couldn't catch the ball or palm the ball. Still some pain in there, but it's something I can play with," Pierce said.
Pierce is in his first season with Brooklyn after a draft night trade sent him from Boston to the Nets along with Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry for a collection of players and first-round draft picks. The veteran forward is averaging 12.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15 games for the 5-14 Nets.
Pierce was expected to miss 2-4 weeks with the injury, but said he would determine if he is good-to-go based on how the hand responds to Monday's practice.
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