(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce is expected to return to action tonight against the Detroit Pistons after missing the last three games with a sprained thumb. The team has gone 1-and-2 while Pierce has been out, including a home loss to the New Jersey Nets on Saturday. Pierce is the team’s leading scorer at 17.9 points per game.  Tip-off at the The Palace of Auburn Hills is set for 7:30 PM.