Paul Pierce Has Sprained MCL, Will Play In Game 6
BOSTON (CBS) - All the injured Celtics participated in the team's morning shoot-around on Thursday, and all are expected to suit up for Game 6 against the Hawks.
That goes for Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who it was revealed has a sprained MCL in his left knee. Pierce has been battling the knee injury since the shoot-around for Sunday's Game 4 at the Garden, but has played through the pain to score 40 points over 53 minutes of action in the two contests since.
Washburn On T&R: Rondo Will "Play Pissed Off" In Game 6
Guard Avery Bradley is also dealing with a rotator cuff injury after dislocating his shoulder in Game 4, but is expected to be in the Boston starting five Thursday night.
"It feels good," Bradley said from the Celtics practice facilities in Waltham. "It's a little sore but I've been fighting through the pain all year so I'll be alright."
Avery Bradley Pre Game 6:
Bradley played just 18 minutes in Boston's Game 5 loss in Atlanta, going 1-for-2 from the field for two points and one assist, but said the best way to play through the injury is to just forget about it.
"Just by not thinking about it. I'm going to get hit, and there is a chance it could pop out, but I just don't think about it," he said. "I just go out there and play."
Read: Celtics-Hawks Game 6 Preview
With a 3-2 series lead, the Celtics have a chance to close out the Hawks once again. If they don't, Game 7 will be Saturday night in Atlanta.
